This summer we are helping you teach the K-5th graders what a life can look like that has a "Focus" on faith. When we trust in Jesus, we take refuge in Him. Trusting Him is much more than a matter of using words; it is mainly a matter of our will.
As we go through any given day, we may encounter many things that can make us anxious. It usually starts with a thought and spirals down from there. If we don't stay alert, anxious thoughts and feelings can slip into our day without even noticing. We suddenly may simply wonder why we suddenly start to feel bad.
If I am honest I just try to ignore those feelings. Or I try to numb them with food, drink, television, or other distractions. During this stay at home time, food has definitely been a great place of refuge for me. It tastes so good and makes me feel momentarily better. How much better it would be though to catch worry before it takes hold of me.
O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. -Psalm 34:8
The Psalmist says..."taste and see that the Lord is good" and that happy is a person who "trusts and takes refuge in Him". We can choose to take refuge in Him whenever anxiety comes at us.
A refuge is a place that provides protection or shelter: a safe haven. It is something...someone we can turn to for help, relief, or escape. Know that Jesus is one who is eager to be our Refuge, and He is with us anywhere...anytime. Nonetheless, let’s decide to exert our will by turning to Him for help.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. -Psalm 57:1
We do need to decide early on to look for Jesus. He is the perfect one to take refuge in. He is our shelter in the midst of life and especially during calamities. Let's together trust Him in the midst of whatever worries us. Blessed/happy is the one who takes refuge in Jesus.