Tag: refuge in God

Numbers 9-10

Psalm 17

Mark 1

-Devotion by Andy Cisneros (SC)

There is so much uncertainty in life. So many things to handle. It can make your heart race. That’s why we need to find our refuge in God. In Psalm 17, David begins by asking God to hear his cries. He has also confirmed that what he is asking for is right. He says, “Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry” (Psalm 17:1). This teaches us to move towards God’s presence and guidance in confidence. He is our ultimate protector and source of peace. How can we know that what we are asking for is right, and that He will listen? I think David answers these questions all through Psalm 17. Let’s take some time in the next couple days to see what David says to do to find refuge in God.

1.Have Faith that God Knows What He is Doing

David recognizes God’s justice, trusting that God will judge rightly. “Let my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right”-Psalm 17:2. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s righteous judgment instead of seeking revenge or justice on our own. God sees all and will act justly in His time.

2. Show Your Heart to God

Sometimes we hide from God. Nothing is secret from Him. David speaks of his commitment to living a life of integrity, saying, “You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night”-Psalm 17:3. This is a call for us to pursue a blameless life, striving to align our actions with God’s will. When we do this, we are an open book to what God wants to do in our life.

3. Watch and Listen to What You Say

David highlights the importance of guarding our speech: “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin”-Psalm 17:3. This lesson is a reminder to be mindful of our words, ensuring they are edifying and truthful in all areas of our lives. Sometimes we are so hard on others. Sometimes we are mean to ourselves. Our speech should reflect the love and truth of Christ, building others and ourselves up rather than tearing down.

4. Guard Your Paths

Have you expressed your commitment to following God’s ways: “My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped”-Psalm 17:5. This encourages us to walk confidently in God’s paths. Always relying on His Word and Spirit as our guide. By doing so, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and assurance.

5. Confidently Ask

David’s relationship with God is marked by confidence in prayer: “I call on You, O God, for You will answer me”-Psalm 17:6. This verse shows us how to approach God with boldness, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. Our confidence in prayer is rooted in our faith in His promises and His unfailing love. Do you have confidence in God? Do you come to Him in right standing? In humble obedience?

Tomorrow we will continue in Psalms 17 

Reflection Questions

1. Is God your refuge? If so, what do you already do to find refuge in God? If not, do you want Him to be your refuge?
2. Which of these steps speaks loudest to you as something you need to do more and more?
3. Do you have confidence in God? Do you come to Him in right standing? In humble obedience?

Prayer

This morning let’s pray that you can RELAX, knowing that God wants you to succeed. That He loves you. Father, please give us a quiet confidence to be able to rest in the knowledge that you are a good God. My prayer is that our hearts are open to you. That you see us and we see you. Amen