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 that refuge because we suffer from the effects of this sinful world and our sinful flesh. We deal with sickness and disease that attack us from within, not to mention the guilt and shame we feel for our sins when we think, speak, and act unlovingly toward others; often, we need to seek refuge from ourselves.
We also need a place to rest from all the external pressures that wear us down. Sometimes, this stress comes from those close to us—parents, siblings, children, spouses, or fellow Christians. We struggle when they act unlovingly toward us. Additionally, believers face attacks from the world and Satan, who can wear us down by presenting ideas that seem appealing but contradict Your word.
You are our refuge in every situation that makes us feel crushed. You sent your Son 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—will not be forsaken by You.
Christ’s forgiveness is for all people. He has removed our sins, and forgiveness comes through faith in Jesus, knowing, trusting, and believing that 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 providing us this place of refuge and for your love.
So 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 life’s burdens, so they will also find a sanctuary for their weary souls in Jesus. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God will never abandon His faithful, even if our lives are taken from us; as Paul wrote, “Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” For believers, losing this life marks the end of all suffering and the beginning of our heavenly eternity.