I was in the mood for a Psalm. I hope you don’t mind. I can always find something soothing and encouraging in the Psalms. Today’s passage seemed like such a good word to send. If not today, then tomorrow, this verse will provide comfort because if one does not feel stressed or oppressed now, they may run into a situation tomorrow. It is good news knowing that when your back is to the wall, the Lord Almighty is there to be your escape, your refuge. He is a fortress, a place of such strength that its walls cannot be breached.
The Lord does not abandon those who seek Him. Maybe you have been under so much stress or experienced such anxiety that hope is not even easy to come by. Those are the days when you need a stronghold in which you can rest and revive. Everyone has bad days and if enough of those days get strung together, your defenses can begin to wear low. Do you know how to run into the refuge of God’s arms? The good news is that He really is there and can make a real difference. In Psalm 4, David wrote that he was able to lie down and to sleep because the Lord had given him safety (v. 8). Despite his enemies’ pursuit, without regard to the danger of his circumstances, David learned how to rest in God’s embrace. He gained confidence in God’s ability to care for him despite the situation.
How did he do that? How did he let go of the anxiety and fear long enough to sleep in peace? Most of us do not have to fear someone slaying us as we sleep but the anxiety we experience is just as real and can be overwhelming. Those who abide in the shadow of the Most High find peace even in the midst of challenge.
If I tell you that prayer is the expedient route to God’s refuge, will you shudder? Will you imagine formalized, even arduous prayer? So many of us do. Please allow me to reframe this for you. The way into Father’s protection is as a child. Just call out to Him. “Dad, help! I feel attacked on all sides. The pressure of this situation is too much for me. Be my God and let me be your child.” Now, breathe. Breathe again. See yourself curled up in your Father’s arms. Hold that picture in your mind and imagine or sense what that feels like. Can you feel your heart rate calm? Can you see the tranquility on your face? Does your respiration relax. You’ve just entered the refuge. Stay there as long as you want. What other imagery brings you peace? Can you picture a space where God is there but rather than being curled up in His arms, you are moving around and have perfect peace. Do you see two cozy chairs in front of a fireplace where you and Father share thoughts and stories.
Allow yourself to experience His peace today and have a great week. Until next week, peace and comfort.