Our "Place Of Refuge"

"Today's Devotion" For June 10, 2006

Read: Psalm 46; John 17:6-15

OUR "PLACE OF REFUGE"

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..." (Ps. 46:1, 2a)

Where do you go when things aren't going well in your life? Who's your "lifeline." the person or persons to whom you turn for solace, help, and advice? All of us need someone like that in our lives, for none of us is an "island" - we can't survive without others, no matter what some may say. God made us to be social creatures and to have relationships with others. He gave us other people to share love and compassion, hope and peace, and the myriad blessings He gives to the world every day. Yet, no matter how marvelous a relationship we may have with others, there are limitations as to what they can do for us and we for them as we face the challenges to faith and service Sin and the world throw at us every day.

Perhaps there's no better example we have than the challenges faced by our men and women in uniform serving in "harm's way" in danger of their lives halfway around the world. While they depend on one another to watch their "six," the reality is that they can never be sure from where the next terrorist attack is going to come. In a recent satellite phone conversation with our son, Matthew, serving with the Marine Corps in Iraq, he mentioned, with some enthusiasm, that his company now had a "lay reader," and that Sunday services were being held even in the absence of a chaplain (a "lay reader" is a Marine who has volunteered to be a company religious leader (Protestant or Catholic) and provide for times of worship when a chaplain isn't available. Reading between the lines, this information also told me that Matthew's and his buddies' need for spiritual refreshment is great. Looking to God for deliverance and security in the face of an enemy that cares nothing about the lives of others - or even his or her own - is daunting.

What comfort and peace comes to all of us, especially those in Matthew's situation, when the Psalmist declares, "God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble." No matter what may happen, no matter how much we may be threatened, physically, mentally, or spiritually, our confidence is in God's providential care and His almighty and merciful power. He has shown that power and strength in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who took on our human flesh and bore our sins upon the Cross for our salvation. By the power of His Word and Spirit we receive hope and strength for living each day, and the courage to face whatever comes our way, confident in His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all who believe in Jesus. Filled with His peace, encouraged by His love, and strengthened by His Spirit, we also say with the Psalmist - "therefore we will not fear." In our God - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - we have a sure and certrain "place of refuge" for now and for eternity.

Prayer: Father, thank You for always being there for me, no matter what happens in my life. Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness sustain me each and every day. In the face of every kind of trouble and danger, Your power and love uplift me and give me a place of refuge. Help me to turn to You in every circumstance of life, whether things are going well or not so well. Help me to trust in You and Your redemption of me in Jesus, Keep me ever mindful that I am Your dearly beloved child, saved by Your grace in Christ and called by You to live that message of salvation in my life and share it with my tongue so that others also might know You as a true "place of refuge." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.