Scripture: “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” – (14:26)
Observation: Solomon lived during a time of relative peace, but growing up during David’s reign, there is no doubt that he heard of the numerous campaigns waged by Israel’s armies. In this verse, Solomon is reminding his son that the place to find protection, shelter, and peace is with God.
Application: Our world is always in turmoil. There are tremendously fearful events happening all over the globe at any given time, and these situations can cause great anxiety and unease. There are times when I see terrible things on the news or read about horrific happenings, and I feel the tension and fear mounting within me. Additionally, when I begin to speculate on what the future holds, my anxiety level threatens to go through the roof! It is at that time, that the Holy Spirit of God gently reminds me of Who is really in control, and I feel His peace begin to replace the fears.
I am so glad I have had many opportunities to memorize Bible verses because these are what the Spirit of God uses to calm me. Psalm 46:1 reminds me that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” He is the One to Whom I should run when fear threatens to overcome me. He is my strong tower… my Protector, and my place of refuge. Proverbs 18:10 states, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
It is so easy to be bombarded with the cares and troubles of this present world, but remember, as Christians, we are merely passing through. This world is not our home; our true home is currently being prepared for us by the Lord Jesus Christ, and one day soon, He will come to take us there! Until then, He will guide us, care for us, and protect us here in this life. We have the assurance of that in Psalm 121:7-8. “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” What blessed assurance!
Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, I praise You for Who You are! Your omnipotence knows no bounds. Thank You for taking care of me in every situation. Thank You for keeping me safe in the palm of Your hand. I am so blessed to be Your child. Thank You that there is nothing that can happen to me that You are not aware of and that You do not ultimately control. To rest in You and Your care is my place of refuge and safety, and You are my strong confidence. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide, a shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night, a shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright , a shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.
(from “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” by Vernon J. Charlesworth)
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“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:29