Taking Refuge in God

Psalm 5 (NLT)

O LORD, hear me as I pray;
    pay attention to my groaning.
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
    for I pray to no one but you.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

4 O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
    you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
5 Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
    for you hate all who do evil.
6 You will destroy those who tell lies.
    The LORD detests murderers and deceivers.

7 Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
    I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
8 Lead me in the right path, O LORD,
    or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

9 My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
    Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
    Their tongues are filled with flattery.
10 O God, declare them guilty.
    Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
    that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
12 For you bless the godly, O LORD;
    you surround them with your shield of love.


Reflection

Psalm 5 serves as a beautifully written reminder of the refuge we find in God's presence, even in the most difficult seasons. As we navigate through life and through the most trying times, our hearts are pulled back to our heavenly father as the source of strength and comfort.

I personally have been challenged by verse 3 many times in my life, as it says “Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” I think we are tempted at times to rely on ourselves, and not to fully believe all of the beautiful things the Lord is capable of doing in our lives. So in the morning, when I rise, I not only lay my requests before the Lord, but I then wait expectantly. I know that I serve a good God who cares about my struggles, and will respond with comfort and grace.

In difficult seasons, we have the opportunity to have unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. We are able to find refuge in the shelter of His goodness, knowing that He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. As we surrender our fears, worries, and burdens to Him, we experience the unshakeable peace that surpasses all human understanding. In the refuge of God's presence, we find strength and hope for our future, knowing that He is in control.
 

Action Step

What areas in your life are you holding onto? Take steps today to surrender them to God, and wait expectantly on the wonderful things He can do when He is the one in control. Then, take time to sit in His peace and comfort.


Prayer

God, thank You for being my source of comfort and strength in times of trials. Thank You for being a God who cares for every single thing in my life, big and small. Please remind me today of the plans You have for my life. I give every struggle to You, and ask You to provide peace, comfort and provision. I love You, Lord. Amen.