Taking Refuge

Taking Refuge

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2

I’d love to be able to report I’ve exhausted my allotted share of fog-filled days and now can live out my remaining days trouble free. But I know life doesn’t work that way, and new hurdles may be ahead. Here are some of the “rules” I’ve had to put into practice when things didn’t go the way I thought, hoped, prayed they would:

• Pray a lot! The Lord helps us, but we have to ask him for help. The most profound prayer is one word: Help!
• Draw strength and inspiration from Scripture. Many folks in the Bible faced tough situations and took refuge in God. As I read the psalms, I identify with David as he pours out his anguish to the Lord. I love his honesty, especially when he calls down heavenly wrath on his enemies’ heads, and I’m encouraged as I see his faith in God’s presence.
• Don’t expect others to meet every need. Even the most loving family member or dearest friend can’t be all we need. Our heavenly Father never sleeps and is available to strengthen and guide us twenty-four hours a day. He’s just a whisper away, even at two in the morning.
• Help others. As I help others during their tough times, I am reminded of God’s ever-present help in my own trials.
• Choose the right attitude. I do have choices in life, even if they are nothing more than choosing how I respond to my circumstances. Life is often difficult and stressful, but I can choose to trust the Lord to bring good from it.

—SANDRA

Lord, as long as I draw breath here on earth, I will have to deal with personal “fogs.” So help. Please help. May I feel your peace, your power, your very presence.

Your joy in the Lord is to be a far deeper thing than a mere emotion.

—HANNAH WHITALL SMITH (1832–1911), QUAKER LAY SPEAKER AND AUTHOR