God is our refuge

From Ps.344 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

When have you known God as refuge? When a boss or person in authority 'scolds' without comprehension of the truth of the situation?

When you find yourself ridiculed for being 'who you are'?  or when God allows a life crisis to overtake you without warning; Being turned down for a promotion you'd been sure about Like losing a job without notice-Failing a major exam-

For me it was the sudden death of my 20 yr. old son, John.  At such times we either run towards God as refuge or away from life as meaningless.

Day by day the Lord continues to deliver us from all our fears... As we name them and specifically seek him for freedom exercising our covenanted right to renounce them one by one!

Do you realize how radiant your face looks as you walk without shame having separated yourself from all your fears??

David's formative years were in fields watching over the sheep by night... Pondering God's beauty & greatness, his unchangeable qualities like his steadfast love and mercy, his justice, his desire for intimacy with us, his people.

Father, give us the discipline to set aside sufficient time to abide in you as David did... long enough to honestly seek, intentionally take refuge, truly taste and see your goodness, doggedly discern areas of fear/ anxiety, realize our need for deliverance and then claim it with gusto!

For all this brings you pleasure and glory!