God is our Refuge

Water Walkers,

Yesterday, my devotional led me to a verse in Psalms 46. I initially read just verse 10 which says "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." However when I glanced at the top of the page I stopped dead in my tracks. Suddenly I couldn't stop myself from reading the rest of the chapter. So what got me started on this little reading tangent? The word "refuge."

Psalm 46:1 says:
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Growing up as a precher's kid, I've heard this verse all my life, never really thinking anything of it. It became one of those verses in my head that was only pulled out when I didn't know what to say to someone who was going through a really tough time. Lately though, I am seeing this verse in a whole new light.

How often do we run and hide from the tough times that we go through, telling our friends what we need is time alone or chocolate. I'll be the first to admit that I am entirely guilty of this. After a bad rehearsal (I'm a theatre major) or an arguement with a family member the first words out of my mouth are "I need chocolate." Although chocolate is a great comfort food, it should not be the first thing we turn to when we need help or comforting. That title should go straight to God.

Verse 10 says to "Be still, and know that I am God." Part of doing that is admitting to ourselves that what we really need is him. It takes a lot for me to turn over my fears and pain to God. I know it's not easy for others either. It goes against every independant bone in my body. But you know what? God didn't create us in a way that means that we are capable of being hermits on an island somewhere only relying on ourselves. We need others to teach us, to help us, to encourage us, and to give us purpose. And yes, sometimes that means that we will get hurt along the way. You might be betrayed by someone you thought would always be there for you. You might be the victim of something you never even imagined having to experience. There might even be times when you ask how God could allow something to happen. It's in these times that God is there waiting to give us shelter. He will protect us, and strengthen us. We are his children. He cares more for us than we can even imagine. The God that knit us together in our mothers womb is not going to turn his back on us when we need him most. It's up to us to remember that and to run to him when all we feel like doing is running away.

I challenge you that the next time you want to reach for a piece of chocolate or just want to sit in the dark and cry, to call out to God instead. Pray for guidance and strength instead of trying to cope on your own. You will be amazed by what happens as a result.

Your fellow Water Walker,
Ashlee