This is the final week in a month-long series. You can catch up on other posts here.
This is it, the final stretch! Over the last three weeks, I have shared with you about three themes: what God is refuge of, what God is a refuge from, and what God is a refuge in. Throughout this week I will be concluding the series with post about what God is a refuge unto. For I find as I read the Bible that when people run to the refuge, their experience doesn't stop there. Always, there is a response! God is not only a refuge of, a refuge from, and a refuge in everything, He also refuges us unto new things. That, my friends, is where were are going this week.
One of the primary responses we see, in the Psalms particularly, is praise. God's people run to the refuge, and under the shelter of His wings there is much rejoicing!But let all who take refuge in you be glad
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread you protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with favor as with a shield.Psalm 5:11-12
What is the nature of that praise? It is praise and worship of the Refuge. He is adored and honored, for who He is and what He has done. And He fills His people with joy.
Our rejoicing comes not from circumstances magically altered the minute we run to the refuge, but rather from knowing the shelter, protection, love, and presence of our Refuge. In the Psalm above, David is crying out to God, begging Him to listen. He is confident the Lord will hear and that his enemies won't prevail, even though it sure feels like they will. He declares the differences between the wicked and the righteous; he proclaims truth about the nature of his God. Then He concludes by reminding himself that gladness and joy come from running to the refuge.
Running to the refuge frees us to worship, no matter the circumstances. Everything around us may be changing, but our Refuge is constant and unchanging. Our complaining, fear, and doubt can be replaced with praise!
Let those of us who run to the Refuge be glad, sing for joy, and rejoice in Him! Oh Lord, teach us to praise you. You are our Refuge and Friend. We stand in awe.
Running Orders:
- Make some time today to praise, just praise. Don't ask for anything, don't confess any sins, just praise. Praise God for how He has been a refuge for you in the past and how He is a refuge for you right now.
- If you feel inspired, write your own Psalm of praise to God!
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NOW ABOUT THAT GIVEAWAY!
Here are the treats I have for the winner of this series' giveaway: a mug and a pen and notepad combo, both with refuge verses on them to remind you to run to the refuge long after the series is over.
If you would like a chance, or three, to win, here is what you have to do. I can put in your name once for each of these things:
- Comment on this post to say you want in.
- 'Like' my Facebook page for the first time this month or subscribe to receive posts by email. (Some of you have done this, but please tell me in your comment, because I don't know how to see the new "likers" or who is subscribed.)
- Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or with a friend.
Make sure to tell me how many times I should enter your name. I can't wait to see who wins! Maybe it will be YOU!!
Oh yes, one more thing. Get your entries in before midnight EST on Saturday, November 29. I'll announce the winner in Sunday's post. Yay! So fun!!
(Gift photos taken from cbd.com)
I wouldn't miss one of your giveaways!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being my cheerleader, Andrea. :)
DeleteThank you for helping me to keep my eyes on Christ.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Shannon! Thanks for the encouragement you are to me, as well. Praying for you as you come to mind. :)
DeleteI've been following along this month and really appreciate your writing. The theme of refuge has been a good one to focus my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. I have been amazed at how it has influenced me throughout the month as well! Thanks for reading. :)
DeleteI am going to be chewing these over for a while (I confess I have been getting behind!). Maybe you could put them into an ebook sometime? At any rate, thanks for using your time for writing. Sending you a Thanksgiving hug! And I'd love to go once into the drawing. Will be sending bribes to Elizabeth and Brian now... :)
ReplyDeleteLydia, for some reason you comment is not showing up here, but I got a notification about it, so you're name is in! Thanks for the ebook idea, chewing on it.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I "liked" your Facebook page. I didn't even know you had one. Shame on me. I posted about this study and how awesome it was for me. I usually run from God when things get tough. But with this study I have leaned more on Him and actually seeking Him out. My Hubby has been laid off more than working this year. This is the worse it has ever been in 13 years. Our mortgage is behind, utilities got shut off for a day and a half, credit cards maxed out. But you know I am not worried. I have a calm about this that I know they will all get paid and life will go back to normal. Now I don't know when so I d get anxious about that. God says he will take care of his children. with that I am taking God at His word and believing it will get better. without this study though I don't think I would of have a sense of calm and peace about the life we have right now. I wanted to thank you for your time and energy you put into this study and sharing it with the world. Now I do get anxious not knowing when God will provide all these needs, but we're working on that. HAHA that should be my next study... but thanks again.
ReplyDeleteAmy, what a testimony! I am so encouraged that this study fit right in when you needed it. Also, I will be praying for your family as you ride the waves of unemployment & financial woes. You are very welcome for writing, but of course we all know here it is God who deserves the thanks for timing these things just right. :) Your name will be in three times! Thank you for being such a faithful reader and welcome to the FB page. Lots of love to you!
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