In what ways can we seek refuge in God during trials? The Heart Cry of Psalm 25:20 “Guard my soul and deliver me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.” David’s words are simple but weighty. He asks for three things: • Guard my soul—keep my inner life secure. • Deliver me—lift me out of danger. • Let me not be put to shame—preserve my honor and testimony. All three petitions rest on one foundation: “I take refuge in You.” Refuge is not a place we visit; it is a Person we trust. Practical Ways to Seek Refuge • Run to His Word daily – Psalm 119:114: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.” – Open the Bible before opening social media; let truth shape perspective. • Speak honestly in prayer – Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.” – Tell Him the worst of your fears; He already knows and invites authenticity. • Remember past deliverances – 1 Samuel 17:37: David recalls the lion and bear before facing Goliath. – Keep a journal of answered prayers to strengthen present faith. • Plant yourself in worship – Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times.” Praise lifts eyes from problems to the Problem-Solver. • Link arms with fellow believers – Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to stir one another to love and good deeds, “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Shared burdens become lighter; shared faith becomes stronger. • Choose obedient steps, however small – John 14:21: love proves itself in obedience. Acting on His commands positions us under His umbrella of protection. • Rest, literally – Psalm 127:2: “He gives sleep to His beloved.” Trust sometimes looks like turning off the light, believing the world is safe in God’s hands overnight. What Taking Refuge Looks Like in Real Life 1. A mother of teens replaces midnight worry with whispered Scripture over each child’s room. 2. A man facing layoffs recites Psalm 46:1 on the commute: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 3. A college student pauses before exams, handing anxiety to Jesus per Philippians 4:6-7. Peace guards her heart and mind. 4. A widow keeps Psalm 91 open on the kitchen table, reading verses aloud when loneliness presses in. Seeking refuge is not escaping reality; it is anchoring to Reality Himself. Scripture Echoes of God as Refuge • Psalm 91:1-2—dwelling “in the shelter of the Most High.” • Proverbs 18:10—“The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” • Nahum 1:7—“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress.” • Isaiah 26:3—perfect peace for the mind stayed on Him. • 1 Peter 5:7—casting all cares “because He cares for you.” Every verse repeats the same melody: God alone is safe enough and strong enough. Promises We Can Hold Onto • He guards: “The LORD will keep you from all harm” (Psalm 121:7). • He delivers: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). • He honors faith: “Whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). Trials may roar, but His promises roar louder. Taking refuge in Him is both our duty and our delight. |
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