Preserve me, O God, for in you, I take refuge.
Psalm 16:1
I am beginning to realize that I have some pretty significant weaknesses in life as I get older. I can’t bend down like I used to, and when I do, I can’t bend back up. My knees generally hurt most of the time, and different parts of my body are always sore. I had an eye exam the other day, and I told the doctor that I had several floaters in my eyes and tended to chase them across the room from time to time. He said, “At your age, you will begin to see those kinds of things.” AT MY AGE?
I went to the dermatologist several months ago and asked him about a place on my arm. He told me, “At your age, you’re likely to start seeing those crusty things.” AT MY AGE? And on top of that, 2020 brings its own set of issues for me. So yeah, I’m feeling my mortality a little bit this year. But what does that have to do with anything? I think it reminds me that I’m human, I’m breaking down, and apart from Advil and Tylenol, I’m not much good. It won’t be long before I’m looking for handrails to help me up and down the stairs. I’m definitely going to need protection.
God’s love provides protection
Love is a powerful thing, and God’s love is even more powerful. It seems here that David is in no danger, but realized his absolute need for God in his life. I think this is a great place to be. He asks God to protect and guard him. He was asking for protection from harm or danger and then staked his future on God.
We have snakes in our yard from time to time, and it could potentially be dangerous walking around at night. Sometimes when I take my dog out at night, I go with her and shine my phone light where she is walking so that she doesn’t get into the danger zone.
God’s love does more than shine a light on our paths. It protects and guards us because God cares about us deeply. His love for us is genuine, and it is because of that love that He guards us. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). This should give us great relief in today’s world of disagreements over politics, vaccines, viruses, and riots. God’s love for us drives His protection for us.
God’s love provides a refuge
We’re in the middle of the hurricane season in South Carolina, and there may be a time in the near future when people from the coast might have to seek shelter inland. Thus, the government established schools and other locations as a place of shelter and safety from those storms. That is what David seeks when he says that he takes refuge in the Lord. He seeks the perfect place for a sturdy, stable, and unbreakable shelter.
He first realizes his real need is the Lord, not a staff, slingshot, or another weapon. How about you? Have you made it to the place in your life where you realize your real need for God’s refuge? Do you pray for and trust in Him as the real refuge for your life? It’s easy to substitute other relationships and self-sufficiency for God’s refuge. But those are only cheap imitations of the real thing.
This verse reminds me of an old song by Dottie Rambo that grasps the meaning completely. As you read through this song, I pray you would get lost in God’s love for you today. Trust Him and rest in Him today. Whatever your concern or care, He is your protector and refuge.
I realize that Southern Gospel music isn’t for everyone, but I wanted to share this song and a link so you can listen to it. If you don’t like Southern Gospel, don’t tell anyone you listened to it. But the words are perfect! Just click the title!
I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They’re leading me in paths that I must trod
I’ll have no fear ’cause Jesus walks beside me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won’t worry me
For I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me
And naught of earth shall harm me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God
Soon I shall hear the call from Heaven’s portals
“Come home, My child, it’s the last mile you have trod.”
I’ll just fall asleep and wake up in God’s new Heaven
Forever sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won’t worry me
For I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me
And naught of earth shall harm me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God
So let the cold winds blow
It’s so good to know
That I’m sheltered in the arms of God