Our Refuge

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Scripture: Psalm 91:9-11 (NIV)

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

Devotion:

One of the most comforting promises in the Bible is that God will protect and watch over those who trust in him. Psalm 91:9-11 says, "If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." This is not just an assurance, but a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection. It's a reminder that we are not alone or helpless in this world, but we have a loving and powerful God who cares for us and sends his angels to shield us from harm.

But what does making the Lord our refuge and dwelling mean? It means more than just believing that he exists or acknowledging his name. It means to rely on him entirely, to seek his presence daily, to obey his commands, and to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means to find our security, joy, peace, and purpose in him alone, not in this world's things. It means to live as his children, who know his voice and follow his lead. It's a constant reminder that God's presence is always with us, guiding and reassuring us.

When we make the Lord our refuge, we can rest assured that he will keep us safe in his arms, even when we face trials, temptations, dangers, or enemies. His angels, those celestial beings of light and power, will surround us and protect us from evil, as they did for Daniel in the lions' den, for Peter in prison, or for Jesus in the wilderness. They will guide us in the right paths, as they did for Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, or Mary. They will minister to us in our needs, as they did for Elijah, Hagar, or Jesus in Gethsemane. They will rejoice with us in our victories, as they did for the shepherds, the disciples, or the women at the tomb. Their role is not just a duty, but a testament to God's comprehensive care for his children, a constant source of comfort and support in our journey of faith.

We may not always see them or feel them, but we can trust that they are there, because God has commanded them to be so. And we can thank him for his amazing grace and love, that he would send his heavenly messengers to serve and guard us, his earthly pilgrims. Let us make the Lord our refuge and our dwelling today, and experience his protection and peace. This is not just a suggestion, but a powerful invitation to take refuge in the Almighty, to dwell in his presence, and to bask in the peace and security that only he can provide.

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for protecting us at all times. We know that you care for us because of the excellent things you have done for your people throughout the ages. May we always give you thanks and praise. Lord, you know exactly what kind of help we need at all times. May we learn to rely on you in all we do. You are our hiding place in times of trouble and ease. May we remember that you desire to shelter us from life’s storms. Amen.

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