A Refuge In The Storm

A REFUGE IN THE STORM

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Keep me safe, O God,

for I have come to you for refuge.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Master!

Every good thing I have comes from you.”

The godly people in the land

are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. . . .

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the LORD who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

My body rests in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead

or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.

When children get scared, they run and hide under their bedcovers, in the closet, or in the arms of their mothers or fathers. We adults usually don’t run to those same places when we’re afraid, but most of us still seek refuge somewhere. How might our lives be shaped if we saw God as our refuge, the place where we could find not only security and safety but also joy and life?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• When you were a child, where did you run for security and safety? What was it about that place that brought comfort?
• In what ways do you cope with fear and anxiety today? What (or who) are you likely to seek out when you are most afraid or anxious?

Lord, you alone are my true and lasting refuge, yet I seek safety and comfort in many temporary things—things that fade and can be shaken. When I am afraid, remind me of your presence and your eternity. Give me eyes that see beyond my immediate circumstances, and a heart that praises you even in the midst of fear and the unknown. Be my refuge, my joy, my life. Amen.