Refuge

The past several months have brought quite a few life challenges and changes that affected many areas of our life… and even areas of well-being on and off.  Situations, relationships, perspectives have changed and brought growth…at times painful but much for the better – And such challenges, changes and losses are never easy.  It can become overwhelming when challenges happen all at once or one right after another.  Life brings such things to each of us.  Each person has a different way of coping during these times.  Some just keep plowing through.  Some try to control the uncontrollable.  Some give in to the pain and hopelessness.  Some close themselves off.  Some cry out for help. 

I tend to ‘circle the wagons’ with those I love… those who love me.  One of my friends once said she had learned that when I have gone silent (a.k.a. fallen off the face of the earth) it’s time to say a prayer and bring over the hugs. I told her I was just circling the wagons and hunkering down and she said – ‘well make an opening and let the reinforcements come in’.  I still circle the wagons but I have learned a couple of things. I’ve learned how to ask and make room for those reinforcements.  But most importantly I’ve learned to circle my wagons in THE place of Refuge.

Refuge.

Shelter or protection from danger and trouble; safety; a place to find aid, relief or escape; security; safety, a retreat, sanctuary, haven, a stronghold.

When life brings challenges, losses, illness, or trouble each of us want that relief, that security, that safety, that sanctuary or haven.  Each of us needs a stronghold where we can rest from weariness, regain strength, and begin to fight.
Finding THE Refuge – the best refuge – will make a difference in how the challenge is faced and will make a difference in how you come out of it on the other side.

 

Who is God? – He is our Refuge.

What is He to me?

Challenges are a bit easier when you don’t face them alone.  No matter what you are facing He will never leave you to face it alone… He’s there.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our Refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

I have faced a few of life’s hardest challenges and I can tell you this.  In those times there is a want and need for the strongest, safest, most secure and guaranteed relief of all refuges.  When you’re going through those times you may have others who offer well intended but misguided advice; there are those who try to help for their own purposes; there are those who simply leave - maybe because they just don't know what to say or do.  Some refuges may only provide temporary sanctuary. Some fail to provide safety and collapse. There’s only one REFUGE. God as the REFUGE is secure, unchanging, unconditional, and strong beyond our comprehension.
And as odd as it may seem, with God as our refuge we can live above circumstance and find good; find purpose; and even find joy.

My prayer for you is to consider His words that you may discover and know REFUGE.

 

Proverbs 22:3 – The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Psalm 118:9 – It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.
2 Samuel 22:31 – As for God, His way is perfect:  The LORD’S word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 – every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 5:11 – But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy.   Spread Your protection over them, that hose who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 34:8 - Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 62:8 – Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
2 Samuel 22:3 – my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.  He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior.
Psalm 9:9 – The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 36:7 - How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Uncertainty may seem like the only certainty ....but the unbelievable is believable!

I have been standing still in my quiet time hoping to find a place of peace with events, decisions, directions and plans in my life journey at this moment in time. I delved into the Word looking for application and perhaps encouragement and comfort for the future.  However, as I stood still, I was directed to my past.

This verse resounded in my mind and my heart:
“For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”  Habakkuk 1:5

 

Going back to school as an “older” “very middle-aged” student for a new career…

Moving half-way across the country away from family and loved ones, and establishing “home”…

Finding joy after devastating loss…

These are just three of the events in life that I probably would not have believed if I had been told as that inexperienced, filled with idealism, younger version of me.

Standing still and thinking about just these three “unbelievables” brings about revelation:

I most likely would’ve never chosen each of those forks in the life’s road if left to having my own choice as to what would happen in my life.

Looking back, it is absolutely indisputable that I am where I am supposed to be right now.  Each of these life events has brought me experiences, perspectives, life lessons, blessings, joys, and so much more that I would never otherwise have had:

The firm knowledge that I am His child.

A loving, strong, unbreakable marriage bond.

Amazing children with “unworldly” hearts.

Very special friends that have become God’s blessing of family.

“Home” in so many senses of the word.

“wealthy” (although not by worldly standards) beyond measure.

Contentment.

I know I am who I am today because of the “unbelievable” that was.  I have priorities in life I would otherwise not have had – as well as beliefs, values, and joy.

Even more humbling is evidence that God used these experiences, my “unbelievables”,  to His purpose for others.

As I walk through today’s issues and concerns, I may miss the hand of God at work at this moment – I may not understand how it’s all going to come together – I might be somewhat fearful, tired, doubtful, uneasy or just plain overwhelmed.  Uncertainty seems like the only certainty.  I don’t know what tomorrow holds.  But, I do know who’s holding tomorrow.  I do know that I am a beloved child whose Father knows best.  In that, there is peace…. And comfort….. and encouragement.

1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Romans 8:28  We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.

Romans 8:37-39  In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Psalm 46:10  Be Still and know that I am God.

Could you Pray for me?

“Could you pray for me?”

This question seems to be echoing all around me.  There have been quite a few requests for prayer this week.  Requests coming from my children – one struggling with health issues; one who is concerned for friends. Requests coming from friends – asking for resolution to conflict; asking for direction and guidance; one looking for spiritual growth; one concerned for a child’s choices.  And I found myself asking a few spiritual sisters to pray for the Father’s guidance regarding an issue with which I personally am struggling as well.

I stood still today after reading a commentary in which the author asked: “Why do we seem to make it our goal to get as many people as possible praying toward our predetermined positive outcome?  Is it that we think God is resistant to doing what is good and right but can be pressured by a large number of people to relent and deliver?  Do we think that the more people we recruit to pray for the same thing will prove our sincerity or improve our odds?”  I began to think about comments some others have made about prayer requests – “God’s going to do what He’ll do – what we want doesn’t matter.”  “Not all prayers are answered.”  “Just think positive.”  “Do you really think He is listening?”
At the core of all of these questions and comments seems to be “to what end? What is the purpose of praying?”
After standing still I’ve determined a few things for myself.  Prayer is a conversation with God – it deepens my relationship with my Father.  Having a conversation means two way communication.  I seek, cry out, ask, beseech, and pour out my soul as He hears, listens and answers.  As I draw near to him through conversation, I am aware of His presence and direction.  Through communication a relationship is strengthened.  Through communication answers are given – “Yes child”; “In due time – be patient – wait upon Me”; “No, I have something else in my – plans to grow and prosper you – in ways you are not yet able to see”; “I understand you – let me carry this burden – receive My Comfort, My Peace”….
Maybe praying for others or having others pray for you is more about us – as individuals, as “the family”, as community – than it is about the request or entreating an answer.  Through prayer we draw close to God – we also draw close to one another.  We carry one another’s burdens.  We encourage and comfort each other. 
I recall a time of great darkness and loss – I had no words just emptiness – I felt distant not just from others but from the Lord.  Yet prayer tethered me safely.  Even when I had no words – the Sprit prayed for me.  I couldn’t pray but I knew others had me wrapped in a blanket of prayer.  I was covered with the comfort, encouragement, and warmth of prayer.  I personally wasn’t in a place for relationship or communication – yet had relationship and communication deepen with others and my Father by being prayed for.

So let us pray – to the Father – with each other – for each other.

1 Samuel 1:15,16 - Hannah replied “I was pouring out my soul to the LORD…I have been praying hear out of my great anguish and grief.”

Psalm 5:3  -In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 17:6 - I call on you, my God, for you will answer me.
Psalm 55:17 - Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and HE hears my voice.
Psalm 73:28 - but as for me, it is good to be near Go.  I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge.
Romans 8:26 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
James 4:8 - Come near to God and He will come near to you.
James 5:16b - …and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
 John 5:14  - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, HE hears us.

Romans 15:30  - Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.

Senseless

My prayers today are filled with senselessness….

Inconsideration, thoughtlessness, illness, a violent act of mass murder in the news.

Today is definitely a day to stand still – step back. 
In my humanness I try - I want to understand how and why these things happen.
Hurt and tragedy in our lives ,or coming close to our lives, rattles life.
Answers are wanted.
Perspective is needed.

Senselessness is just that…. It is without rhyme or reason; purposeless; pointless; illogical; irrational; ludicrous; inane; callous; apathetic; mindless, moronic; numbing; empty…deadened.

It exists because of the imperfection of this flawed, human, sin filled, damaged world.
Senselessness is only compounded if we try to figure out the way and why of these happenings.  To do soon only will discourage your spirit; distract from the joy that does exist; cause division among those involve with the hurt, or destroy – love, relationships, joy, peace, contentedness, and even faith.

So what is my reaction to be in the face of senselessness? 

I will process the hurt – the confusion – the loss. 

I will pour out my emotion – my hurt, my confusion, my anger, my helplessness – to the Lord.  God doesn’t cause the suffering of His children – unfortunately we cause it for each other.  Decisions made have consequences for others.  Violent behavior has a victim.  Words and actions impact relationships and inflict hurt that will forever leave scars.

God created a perfect world in His image of Love.  He doesn’t cause suffering but He is the only answer. 
As I lay my thoughts; my emotions; my heart bare before my Lord, I stand still.
My tears are wiped and I hear His words:
“Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” – Isaiah 66:13
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
I “plan to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11
I am your “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” –Psalm 46:1
You can be “convinced that neither death not life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate” you “from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 8:38-39
“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD” – Psalm 46:1

Favorite Things

The Sound of Music is probably my all time favorite movie. I happened upon it a couple of days ago. I watched the scene in which Gretl, frightened by a storm, comes running into Maria’s room followed by the rest of the Von Trapp children. Maria shares with them that when she is feeling frightened or unhappy she thinks about her ‘Favorite Things’. I found myself humming the song this morning and decided to Stand Still with thoughts about favorite things. Thinking about favorite things does brighten the outlook somehow. There’s a warm kind of happiness that follows… good feelings… comfort. A few of my favorite things:

-the laughter of my kids
-the love in someone’s eyes
-a hug
-rolling sound of thunder
-raindrops on the roof
-smell of burning leaves
-the first crack of light at dawn
-a beautiful sunset
-rainbows
-the smell of lily of the valley or roses
-spring blossoms
-fall color
-fresh fallen snow
-baby’s feet
-laughing ‘til you cry
-random stories of an elderly person
-harmony
-the smell of baked goods or Thanksgiving dinner
-star gazing
-a lazy cup of tea with a good friend
-sitting around a campfire
I turn my thoughts heavenward – grateful to the Provider of all my favorite things. He is the top of my favorite list. The Father… Lord and Savior… the source of my strength, my hope and my joy. I think about my favorite promises He has given. Here I find not just happiness but true contentment and comfort.
Revelations 2:10 Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.


There are so many more. I think I’ll be standing still a little longer …

One Thing

It seems as though as of late I’ve been a part of quite a few “in depth” conversations -   the type where someone just drops their walls and barriers as they talk from the heart.  My prayer list is a little longer these days.  It’s given me plenty to think about as I stand still.  I’ve realized that quite a few of these conversations really boil down to each individual’s inner most yearning.  On the grander scale of things, I think that every person – if honest with themselves – finds that there is a need, an emptiness… a yearning that needs to be met in order to find fulfillment and feel whole – complete – at peace.  Call it ‘purpose’, ‘the secret to life’, ‘happiness’ – it’s that One Thing.  It reminds me of a pivotal scene in the movie City Slickers between the characters played by Jack Palance and Billy Crystal:

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
[holds up one finger]
Curly: This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean @#*!.
Mitch: But, what is the "one thing?"
Curly: [smiles] That's what *you* have to find out.

Going back to those conversations as of late… I can identify the One Thing each person seems to be longing for:  letting go, simplicity, balance, self-discipline, boundaries, security, relationship (friendship or romance – basically acceptance and unconditional love), peace, truth, control, comfort, and assurance. 

As I think the concept of One Thing through I realize several truths.

1.  Relying on others to provide that One Thing will lead to continual disappointment and emptiness – people are imperfectly human.  Relying on possessions, wealth or status will lead to continual disappointment and emptiness – they are all fleeting.  Relying on self will lead to emptiness and frustration – you too are imperfectly human – your point of view is limited and perceptions are skewed.

2.  A person’s One Thing may seem conditional or relative – changing with situations, time, and life. 

But it actually isn’t…

3.  Each of these One Thing needs; each of these One Thing secrets or purposes can be met and fulfilled completely with THE ONE who is was and always will be. 

There is a firm foundation on which we can stand anchored against come what may  - One who provides purpose, meaning, balance, boundaries, self-discipline, security, peace, truth, comfort and assurance.

Having that One Thing simply comes from THE ONE.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.  Philippians 4:19

warmth

Working on the laundry today (that one chore that is never finished). Just took a load of towels and sheets out of the dryer. They were still warm as I got them folded. I flashed back to a moment of insight I once experienced – and still like to remind myself of every now and then.

During one of those dark valley walks of life – a dear friend had been sending me cards. In one of the cards she had written that she had asked others to pray also….”My sweet friend, rest assured and know that you are being wrapped in prayer”. It was comforting to know that I had such prayerful support – but I was about to be given a tangible demonstration.
I ended up being hospitalized and went through surgery. Back in my room afterwards, I was going through a period of nausea and was really cold – wondering if I was ever going to get better. My nurse checked on me and left the room saying she’d be right back. She came back to the room bringing me another blanket that had been heated. I can’t describe how wonderful that blanket felt. The sense of warmth surrounding me…. enwrapping me. That physical sensation was followed immediately with the words of my friend coming back to me “…rest assured and know you are being wrapped in prayer.” A sense of comfort, warmth, and peace wrapped my soul.
Warmth
We experience it physically – the warmth of the sunshine on your face as you close your eyes and turn sunward allowing yourself to really feel the warmth; the warmth of your mug as you sip on a some tea or hot chocolate; the warmth of being snuggled up in your favorite comforter – cozy; the warmth of a fire on a cooler night watching embers glow.
Warmth
We experience it emotionally – the warmth of spending time with a good friend experiencing laughter and comfort; the warmth of a hug or a ‘love you’ from a loved one; the warmth of knowing people care, will support you, will pray for you.
Warmth
We experience it spiritually….
This is perhaps the greatest warmth you can experience – to your core – in your soul – your very being. True warmth that comes only by knowing you are loved completely by the Father – no matter where you are, no matter who you are, in your strengths and your weaknesses, regardless of your successes or your failures. You are loved!


We each are wrapped in God’s love. I remind myself every now and then tangibly – wrapping a warm sheet around myself or pulling on the warm sweatshirt as they come out of the dryer – did that this morning. And despite this rainy cool Oregon day I am warm to the core.
Know you are Wrapped – in prayer by me and more importantly in love by the Father.


Psalm 33:22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.