Our Refuge

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt his name.

For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord - and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him. Psalms 34:1-7 (TLB)

Deborah Priyali lives in Telangana, India. She was going through a difficult time in her life which often made her feel hopeless and afraid. She was ashamed of her feelings because she thought as a christian, she should have a better response to her problems. Amid her hopelessness and fear, Deborah was reminded of the words of David and the other authors of the psalms. Their words are honest and heartfelt, and meditating on the Psalms has helped Deborah to be more honest with God about her feelings.

God desires a deeper relationship with us, and through our relationship with God we are comforted and encouraged to keep going. God is our refuge.

Though our problems may be overwhelming and beyond our control, we can rest assured that the God of Jacob is with us. As we read in Psalm 46, we need only to be still and acknowledge God's power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, you know the problems we are going through. Help us to share our feelings honestly with you, our safe place, in Jesus' name. Amen.