Refuge

Protect me O God for in you I take refuge.

Have you ever had to take refuge?

What does it mean to take refuge? Refuge is “shelter or protection from danger or distress.” I have taken refuge. When I was very young, 3 or 4, there was a great tornado that hit the area of Ohio I lived in. I do not remember this, but I know about the storm, and I know we took refuge in the basement. I also know that this happened again when I was older. Storms would come and the sirens would sound and to the basement we went.

That is how God is for us, as the psalmist points out. In you O God I take refuge. In you O God I take shelter and seek protection from everything that would come against me. From everything that will cause me harm and danger, or stress I come to You and lay it at your feet and stay with You.  Protect me from all that would harm me and keep me in Your loving embrace.

In Your Presence there is joy! The storms that rage all around us can not stop the immeasurable joy that comes from being in Your presence!

Help me to remember that you are the shield and strength for me in every moment of my life, that You are my shield and protection, and will keep me safe from all harm through your loving kindness and protection through the storm. Help me to remember that You are all I need. Amen.