Oct 23 2024

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

In this Psalm, David writes that the Lord is a refuge for us. In times of trouble or oppression, we can cling to His name. Let's think about what this means and how it applies to our lives today.

First, refuge means "safe place," which is what the Lord provides to us. He cares for us in times of trouble, and tends to us when no one else will. When we are falsely accused or wounded by someone else, we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord knows exactly what happened and He is always on our side. At the same time, we know that because of Jesus, the Lord extends grace to us when we have sinned, and we can approach Him and have a relationship with Him as if we had never sinned.

If you are facing something that seems insurmountable, take your concerns to the Lord. He cares about your troubles, and there is no temptation or pain that is foreign to Jesus. He knows you, cares for you, and offers you peace today.

When we have peace from God we are safe, and this is true even if we don't know what our lives will entail. We do not have to understand what is happening or will happen; we have only to continue in trust, knowing that the Lord is faithful—always. Remember that the Lord is your refuge. Remember that He will listen to you and care for you and forgive you when no one else will. Call on His name and dwell in the freedom of His kingdom.

Dear Lord, thank you for being a refuge for me. Thank you for loving me and for caring for me in ways that no one else ever could. Help me to remember to call out to you when I am discouraged. Thank you for your Son, who died so that I might live. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oct 22 2024

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. :

In this verse from Psalm 138, David writes that the Lord answered and strengthened him when he called out to the Lord. Today, we can experience the same strength that David did. Let's think about how that's possible….

David's experience began with his decision to cry out to the Lord. He was distressed, and instead of turning to sin, he turned to the Lord. He knew that nothing in the world would provide relief; only God could answer David's cries for help in the way that he needed. In much the same way, when we need something from the Lord, we should not sit passively and wait for it to happen. Rather, we should take it to Him in earnest prayer.

The Lord answered David's cries, and responded by strengthening his soul. Sometimes, we don't need a direct solution to a problem as much as we need our own souls to be strengthened. David was weary in his spirit, and the Lord met him exactly where he was. We should be open to God not only fixing our outward problems, but also working with us in our inner selves… in our hearts and minds.

Today, we can strengthen our souls by making a habit of meditating on God's Word and by praying without ceasing. When we remember who the Lord is and the many ways that He has shown His love for us, our souls will be replenished. When we remember the God who we serve—a God who is almighty, perfect, holy, and perfectly loving—we cannot help but be filled with supernatural strength to face our challenges. In the midst of these challenges, like David, we can call out to the Lord, trusting that He will answer us in His perfect timing.

Dear Lord, thank you for answering me and for strengthening me. Thank you for being near to me in all circumstances and for all of my days. Help me to serve you and remember that you are my source of strength always. In Jesus' name, amen.