God Our Refuge

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
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Listen while you read: "Only Trust Him"1 (Lyrics)

Psalm 62:1-2 – My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (NIV)

Thunderstorms with tornados are common in Indiana, USA, where I spent much of my childhood. Blaring sirens would ring out, disturbing a peaceful dinner or interrupting a night's sleep. My family would cross our lawn to the neighbourhood church, and hide in the basement. My grandpa, the pastor of the church, had a study in the basement. There, surrounded by his books, his overstuffed leather chair, and massive desk, I would curl up next to him and wait out the storm. Sometimes, we would read his books, or talk about our day. Sometimes, he would review his sermon notes for the coming Sunday. But in his presence, I no longer feared the raging storm.

Wars, turmoil, grief, and sickness all threaten to overwhelm us. Their presence invades our hearts and minds, blaring out warning sirens. We find ourselves on high alert as we navigate life. Peace is drowned. Yet, with God, the turmoil around us cannot touch our souls. We find refuge in Him.

In every season, we can turn our focus and our gaze back to God, no matter what assails us. We look to His purpose, to His plan for our good, much like my attention turned to my grandfather so long ago while tornados swirled above us. When our eyes look heavenward, we can rejoice. We can remain grateful to God for His grace, His presence, and His power.

When any bad news hits you, take it immediately to God the Father in prayer. Lift your hands and say, "I know that You have this in Your hands, and You have me, too."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your care for us. Thank You for holding us in Your hands. We fix our gaze on You and our hearts are at rest. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Kathleen Dunlap <kedunlapco@gmail.com>
Arvada, Colorado, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you.


    Amen Kathleen!


    Thanks for the comforting thoughts, Kathleen.


    Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Kathleen for sharing your memories and giving us reassurance of God’s protection.


    What a beautiful story and message. Thank you for sharing. I am sure it will encourage many today.


    What a wonderful reminder how The Almighty uses other(s) to common our anxieties. Blessings Kathleen.


    So glad you were kept safe and aware of being loved, Kathleen. Love to you from me as well today as you write on, by inspiration.


    Thank you, Kathleen, for this day’s devotion.
    Blessings and health,
    (Quebec)


    Thank you, Kathleen, for today’s devotion. There are numerous life storms these days and it is comforting to know our God is in control.
    Blessings.


    Kathleen, what blessed and sweet moments with, and memories you have with your grandfather to use as a lead for your tender devotional. I feel comforted by your writing. Thank you.


    Kathleen, your words about safety in God’s presence echoed with the words in my mind this morning. As I awoke, the hymn Hiding In Thee was being replayed somehow. I will take this repeated message today as God’s gift to me. Thank you for helping deliver it!


    Good morning, Kathleen,
    We find refuge in Him for sure, good memories you obviously have of your grandfather. Thank you for writing.
    Blessings.


    Dear Kathleen,
    This statement is so true and we should do it.
    “When any bad news hits you, take it immediately to God the Father in prayer. Lift your hands and say, “I know that You have this in Your hands, and You have me, too.””
    At this time the world seems very lost. As Christians there is something we can do. When we are comforted, then we can encourage others. Small lights shining in the darkness helps everyone.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your wisdom. Let us all trust in our Lord. Blessings.


    Hi Kathleen,
    Thanks for the wonderful Devotional today. It was perfect for all that is going on in the world today and there in the USA. The war in the Ukraine, the school shooting where the 19 little children lost their lives and on and on it seems. Your words were awesome and a perfect time to read your Devotional.
    I will print it so I can read it often.
    Thanks again, keep up the good work.
    (Ontario, Canada)


    This underlined a talk I recently heard by Elisabeth Elliot of going through a car wash with her grandson, (experiencing one for the first time). She said that even although he didn’t yet speak, at each stage of the experience, (the noise, the movement, the water spray, the brushes, the air fans), he looked to his Dad, saw he wasn’t fazed, and was reassured. As they broke out into the light, after the scary experience, a wide smile spread on his face.
    Lovely images of each of us smiling when we meet our Lord, flood over me.
    Thanks for you touching Devotional, Karen!
    (BC Canada)


    Thank you for reaffirming God is our Refuge and Strength.


    Hello Kathleen,
    Thank you for sharing your story “God our Refuge” in the PresbyCan Daily Devotionals.
    “Wars, turmoil, grief, and sickness all threaten to overwhelm us. Their presence invades our hearts and minds, blaring out warning sirens. We find ourselves on high alert as we navigate life. Peace is drowned. Yet, with God, the turmoil around us cannot touch our souls. We find refuge in Him.” — so wonderfully worded. Your statement here is so true. I really need to start writing and sharing my experiences of the endless times that God, through Jesus Christ, has lifted my fears, my worries, and anxieties that I may stay focused on His journey for me and rest calmly and peacefully at night. As you said, “We look to His purpose, to His plan…”
    Thank you very much.
    (ON)

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