Finding Refuge
To whom do you turn in times of fear?
We all face times of extreme trial. Where do you go to seek peace and comfort? Do you have a friend that you can pour out your troubles to? Does yard work, gardening, or exercise bring relief from stress? Do you have a hobby that you can turn to to relieve anxiety? Does a walk in God’s beautiful creation help?
In this time of illness in my home, the prayers and love of friends and family have brought me encouragement and comfort. God’s Word has given me strength to persevere. The Book of Psalms has given me hope, inspiration, and assurance of God’s eternal love.
Psalm 46 has been particularly meaningful.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 4-5
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 6-9
He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 10
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 11
The Lord Almighty is with us!
What scripture speaks to you and brings hope, comfort, and peace in times of trial?
First of all I love your pictures! They are beautiful. I love the Psalms. Psalm 18 is my favorite, but the verse “I will never leave you or forsake you” is my constant reminder of God’s presence.
I love Psalm 18, too, Stephanie. So much love and assurance in these words. Verse 19 tells us, He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. How awesome is that? God delights in us–how marvelous and humbling.
The scripture I’m leaning on now is Isaiah 26:3. If I keep my mind on Him, He keeps me in perfect peace.
Blessings and prayers!
Thank you for sharing that verse, Candyce. Verse 4 is wonderful, too: Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the rock eternal. There’s so much wisdom and comfort in Isaiah. We need that encouragement during these trying times. Thank you.
This is a fantastic devotion. The pictures are beautiful, as well. The Psalms are a treasure trove of praise.
Thank you, Evelyn, for your encouragement. The Book of Psalms is a gift for us, I believe, filled with praise, comfort, assurance, and peace. Wishing you safety and blessings.
I’ve learned to hold God’s promise of Isaiah 41:10 ever close; “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Remember always that my family is praying for you and yours. May God’s mercy, love, and grace find its way to fill you with His joy in the midst of your sorrows.
My friend, thank you for sharing those words of comfort and assurance. I’m so grateful for your prayers, your compassion, and your encouragement. Praying continued good health and blessings for you and your lovely lady.