In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. Psalm 71:1-6
Regardless of your age, you will likely be challenged many times to survive certain storms in your life; maybe fearful storms on land or sea. Other storms in life may come from issues of health, finances, employment, military service, or serious family situations. Some come as surprises; others may be self-inflicted.
Whatever the case, when one hits, we immediately seek refuge to escape impending disaster. At such a time of inner turmoil, we instinctively cry out to God to help us from this mess! Amazingly, in such a time of need, God becomes more real to us than ever before! Yes, he gives us sanctuary, a place of temporary peace and rest. He brings calm, quiet and a time to reflect. Somehow, the storm subsides enough to reveal reasonable solutions to problems previously thought to be unsolvable.
This peace of God and the effects of it defy understanding, but it has always been there for us, as believers, to tap into. What a powerful blessing! What a friend we have in Jesus. His Holy Spirit resides in us because that is what he promised to us. All we have to do is claim it and activate that power within us. What great things lie ahead for us in our personal lives, and for St. Mark’s, if we do just that!
May Easter begin that new life for all.
Dear Lord, You are our Rock and our Refuge. As believers, keep us aware that we all may face unexpected storms, but that You will be our safe harbor in our time of need. Praise be to God. Amen
