In the Word: God is My Refuge
Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 18:1-2 together. Psalm 18 was penned by David after God had delivered Him from the hands of his enemies, and is rich with metaphors describing the nature and character of God. In this series, we will be looking at how each of these attributes affords us a greater picture of God’s care for His children, and how knowing and believing these truths can bring comfort to our hearts in the midst of grief. As we study together, we encourage you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you study these names of God along with us!
GOD IS MY REFUGE
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:1-2
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2
READ:
I remember laying in bed one morning feeling defeated after we learned that our baby girl would not survive outside my womb. In deep emotional distress and heartbreak, I cried out to God. As if in a tender whisper, I heard in my heart the words that begin Psalm 91, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” As I pondered these words, the image of a nest came to mind—a mother bird hovering over it, her wings spread protectively to ward off any outside trouble or threat. In that moment, I knew God was using a simple image to minister a deep truth to my soul: His love enveloped me as a protective refuge where I could hide from the storm.
Psalm 36:7 says, “The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” A refuge is a place of security that offers protection from harm, whether that harm is physical danger or emotional distress. In the emotional turmoil that seemed to choke me as I anticipated the death of my child, I knew that the only true protection for my soul would be found in the refuge of God’s steadfast love.
But how was I going to find this refuge in the face of such deep sorrow—a pit so deep that it seemed peace and heartbreak could never co-exist? Psalm 91 goes on to say, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
In order to find refuge in a safe place, we have to put our trust in the One in whom we are seeking refuge. Baby birds have to nestle in the nest and trust the mama bird to protect them. We have to let go of any scrap of control we try to hold on to and settle into the love and sovereign control of God. He offers safety, security, and peace—a refuge for our broken hearts to turn to. I continued to pray fervently for my daughter’s healing, but underneath my prayers was a growing trust and acceptance of whatever outcome God held in His hand.
God’s love is so tender, so strong, so unyielding, even as we have to yield to it. He longs to gather us under His wings as a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37). Precious mama, whose heart is breaking under the weight of deep pain and loss, let yourself be gathered into the arms of Jesus. Rest your weary soul in the deep love of Christ. Bring to Him every sorrow, all your fears, your anger, your pain, and every tear. His steadfast, unwavering love is a refuge for you.
REFLECT:
- In what ways do you struggle to trust God and find refuge in His steadfast love?
- How has God proven His love to you in the midst of your grief?
JOURNAL:
There are over 40 references in the Psalms to God as our refuge. Using a concordance, read through each one and list all the ways that God is a refuge to you. What does He protect you from? What blessings are yours as you take refuge in Him? What do these verse say about the love of God for you? Write a prayer to God, asking Him to help you trust and find refuge in Him.
- Abigail
Hope Mom to Sarabeth Marie
Abigail is mama to her toddler daughter and to Sarabeth who went to be with Jesus seven days after her birth in January 2018. She and her husband Chad live in Berea, KY on the family farm where they raise cattle. In addition to being a stay-at-home-mom and teaching piano part-time, Abigail blogs on Facebook and Instagram at A Healing Gratitude where her desire is to share Sarabeth’s story in a way that highlights the goodness and love of God and how gratitude can lead to greater healing.
We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.
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