Devotion 10/18, Our refuge and strength

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8

It is so hard to share the secrets of our hearts with anyone. We want to keep our secret failings, embarrassments, and sins hidden. We fear that others would reject us and we would shame ourselves if anyone knew the secret sludge in our hearts. But hidden sin is only hidden from us. It is not hidden from our Father. Hidden sin festers in our hearts and drives a wedge between us and the God who would forgive us and empower us to triumph over it. If only we would pour out our hearts to him knowing that he longs to be our refuge. When God becomes our Refuge, He also becomes our strength, it frees us up to do His will rather than carry the burden of our sins.
The theme of the entire 62nd Psalm is that God alone is our refuge! God is the ground, the foundation of our confidence and strength.
David goes through some of the things that mankind places his trust in throughout this chapter and discounts every one of them. He was speaking from experience, David had sought refuge in God many times and God had protected him from his enemies and given him both the emotional and physical strength to carry out God’s plan for his life.
When we seek our peace, joy, and strength from any source other than God we are treading on dangerous ground, ground that will surely fall out from beneath our feet! Our Lord God has never, and furthermore, never will fail us (2 Timothy 2:13). Even though we fail Him many times through our lives, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1John 1:9).
So let us be aware when we start to place our trust in anything other than God. Money, power, other people, etc…..these will all let us down. But, trust in our Lord, be faithful and obedient to His word, and He will be our Refuge and strength.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me and for sending Jesus to die for my sins on the cross at Calvary. Thank You for Your faithfulness and help me to be faithful to You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Lord, your unfailing love gives me strength to move on from any trials or tribulation. For all who are struggling with a heavy heart, or conflict at work or home, or illness, I pray the Holy Spirit dwell in their hearts and lift the burdens and hurt to free them up for your will.