Day Six: 31 Days of Prayer

July 6, 2010

Morning

Psalm 16:1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

“Legions of Americans dug backyard fallout shelters to ride out atomic Armageddon during the Cold War. Now, with heightened concerns about terrorist attacks in the post- 9/11 world, a new generation is looking underground” (Los Angeles Times, May 17, 2010). Worried people build shelters in which to take refuge. Given the troubled times in which we live, most of us are seeking refuge. Where are you taking refuge?

David’s refuge was the Lord. Psalm 91:9-12 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the Lord, who is my refuge-- ¹⁰then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; ¹²they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Are we equally confident in God?

David didn’t learn such God-confidence easily or quickly. When Saul first sought David’s life, David took refuge in the Lord (1 Samuel 19:18-24). As Saul’s attacks grew fiercer, David sought refuge elsewhere, even among the pagan Philistines. In took most of his life for David to learn that God could handle any and all situations in life. That’s when he penned Psalm 16.

Interestingly, the King James translates David’s words as “in Thee do I put my trust.” Trust is the root issue. You will seek refuge in whatever you trust the most. Today, as you pray, evaluate who or what is your refuge. In whom or what is your greatest trust? Ask God to reveal the answer. Then ask Him to teach you over time that He is the only truly secure refuge. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Pray the same thing for our church.

Evening

Is God’s refuge more like a refugee camp or a wildlife refuge? A refugee camp is designed for survival—meeting basic human needs. Wildlife refuges, on the other hand, are designed for living, providing the habitat for animal species to thrive, not just survive.

God certainly is a refugee camp that shelters us during the hard times of life. Psalm 61:3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. But He is so much more. John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. God is the refuge for human beings that allows us to really live (1 Thessalonians 3:8).

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus implies that the more you know of God, the more risks you will take to give Him a return on his investment in you (Matthew 25:14-30). Meditate on that parable in your last waking moments of the day. Then thank God for the safety you enjoy in Him that allows you to sleep at night (Psalm 4:8). But resolve to wake up in the morning to take the risks that bring abundant life to you and great glory to God.