Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord will be a refuge for those who have been crushed, a refuge for times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We need a place of refuge, and you are it because we suffer from the effects of this sinful world. We deal with sickness and disease that attack us from within, not to mention the guilt and shame we feel for our sins; often, we need refuge from ourselves.
We need a resting place from all the externals that wear us down. Sometimes, it comes from those who are close to us and love us—our parents, children, spouses, or other fellow Christians—we have struggles when they say and do things unloving towards us. Also, there are the attacks that come at believers from the world and Satan, which can wear us down by saying things that sound appealing but contradict your words.
You are our refuge in every situation that would make us feel crushed. You sent your Son here to walk this earth and endure all the trials and temptations we face and more. He was your sinless Son who became sin for us by taking all our sins into himself and covering us with his perfection. So, everyone who seeks you—trusts in you by faith—you will not forsake.
Christ’s forgiveness is for all people. He has removed our sins, and forgiveness is delivered through faith in Jesus, knowing, trusting, and believing he died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day. We have peace knowing we are saved for Jesus’ sake. We are restored to you, and heaven is our eternal home. Thank you for giving us this place of refuge and for your love.
So, in turn, may we also react out of love for what you have done; allow us to share this good news about our refuge with those suffering under this life and the world’s burdens so that they will also find a sanctuary for their weary souls in Jesus. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God will never abandon his faithful, should even our lives be taken from us; as Paul wrote, “Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Losing our lives means our suffering has ended, and our heavenly eternity has begun.