GOD’S REFUGE OVER MAN’S
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:6-9 (ESV)
What can man do to me? When reading this, you can probably think of plenty of examples. If you set out to think of a time when someone burned you somehow, it would take about .001 seconds to bring something to mind. Whether you’re the kind of person who can shake things off well or who has to fight to keep them from sticking, you know firsthand what a person can do to someone else. And that isn’t even counting the horrific things you may hear about on the news: scandals, murders, miscarriages of justice, wars, and the list goes on and on.
What can man do to me? The evil inflicted in this world can never outweigh the good that God is pouring into it. It may be tempting to view global events and feel the sky is falling, but God is in control. None of the difficulties in this life surprises God. God knows the suffering we’ll experience, which is why the Bible is full of people crying out to him for justice, help and relief.
Scripture constantly provides sobering and comforting reminders that God doesn’t just know our struggles—He experienced them. Jesus came to the world, lived a perfect life, died an undeserving death at the hands of the very people He came to save and still retained hope. Hours before the death He knew was coming, Jesus still encouraged his disciples: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)
This is where you find refuge. Remember who God is and what He’s done, and trust that nothing flies under His radar. Cry out to Him honestly and lay it all at His feet. Every time it comes to mind, bend, take your thoughts captive and offer them back to Him.
APPLICATION: What in your life is causing you grief and weighing you down? It could be a demanding boss, things you’re hearing on the news, an injustice you recently experienced, etc. Write that thing down. It could be on a 3x5 card or a slip of paper. Pray Psalm 118:6-9 over it, then let it go. Throw it away, burn it or turn it into a paper airplane and send it flying. Tell God you trust Him with it and ask Him to be your refuge.
PRAYER: God, life is hard. Thank You for overcoming the world and for being on my side. Help me to trust in You for refuge, not anyone or anything else. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?