Safe Place

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of Life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36: 5-9 (NRSV)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NRSV)

Cathy Fooshee is from Kansas. Her daughter works at an alternative school for students with needs that cannot be met in a traditional public school setting. Since Cathy's retirement, she has occasionally worked as a substitute teacher at the school. In each room there is a designated "safe place" where students can go for a break when they are feeling overwhelmed ir fearful about a situation. The safe place is located in a quiet part of the room, and the creative use of materials and furniture enhances the illusion of isolation by providing a barrier between the occupants of the space and other students in the room.

We all need a safe place sometimes. Cathy believes that Christians have access to this safe place through Christ: "In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him" (Eph. 3:12,CEB). Today's scripture reading reassures Cathy when she is scared or overwhelmed. She knows that in the quietness of her heart, she can take refuge under God's wings where she finds comfort, peace, and joy.

The Bible tells us many times that God desires to be "our refuge and strength." In the safe place God provides, we can find courage and hope.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your presence and for your desire to protect us. Help us trust that you will never fail or forsake us, in Jesus' name. Amen.