My Sure Refuge

He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, he who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; he will dwell on the heights, his refuge will be the impregnable rock; his bread will be given him, his water will be sure. Isaiah 33:15,16

When our children were young they learned the song "O Be Careful." It was a song meant to teach the importance of guarding your eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet. As Christians, we hopefully learn to use those instruments for good rather than evil. Isaiah gives us God's version of that song. It goes beyond the fact that God is watching from above. It is God's way of giving us a peak into what is to be ours. He wants us to see a place of safety and surety He has provided for us as well as the sustenance we need.

This world is not always "user friendly." Days can seem long, deprivation can be cruel, people can disappoint us, health can fail us, and circumstances can leave us drained. But God intends for us to seek our shelter and refuge in Him when the storms hit. In affect, He not only shelters us but sustains us and nourishes us.

I grew up in Michigan ~ not far from Lake Michigan. Over the years, I have noticed the dramatic changes of the coastline. Houses that were built far back on the cliffs are now close to the edge as the elements have eroded the sand. Each assault takes away from an unsure foundation. THAT is a picture of other sources I may be tempted to seek refuge in. It may look safe and feel safe for awhile but erosion happens. And one day I find myself close to the edge.
How different the picture is of God. He is the impregnable Rock! Not one bit of His foundation is ever a victim to erosion. He is as trustworthy and dependable now as in eternity past. That is why when the best of plans fail, when friends are unable or unwilling to meet my needs, when my circumstances leave me worn, I am able to be strengthened internally as I dwell on high, seek His refuge, and feed off His ever fresh supply of food for my soul.

Father, You are aware of the very things that assault me today. I once again resort to Your shelter. Enfold me with Yourself. Amen.

Learning To Listen

You who are far away, hear what I have done, and you who are near, acknowledge My might. Isaiah 33:13

I have a friend with whom I could listen to for hours and never tire of her stories. When she speaks I pay close attention to her words because I want to gain insight into her life. I walk away from each conversation knowing more of how God has worked in her life. It restores the hope in me that God is working in my life as well.

God puts a lot of stock in the importance of learning about Him and His work. Whether it is something I hear from His Word, a sermon, a friend, a book or a song, as I take in the messages my view of God is enlarged. God wants me to be attentive and alert to the things He wants to teach me about Himself. That is one reason we have all the wonderful accounts in Scripture recorded for us. His Word is His own testimony of His character as well as His accomplishments. But He did not stop when the last verse was written.

Each of us have stories to tell of how God intersected our world at pivotal moments. Those stories are meant to be shared…whether with one individual or many. Each time I hear of God’s mighty work in someone’s life, His intent is that I would know that the same God is at work in me. When I see Him turn impossible situations to favorable ones in the lives of others, my faith is boosted that there is still hope for my own situation.

But it does not stop with hearing about His works. It is then imperative to acknowledge what I have heard. The stories are most affective when I take what I hear, agree with it, and see God’s right and authority to act on my behalf. To begin to take notice of what He has done, is doing, and will do in my life.

So what are the things I acknowledge about God today? When I hear another person’s story, what revelation of God will be a result of it? The word “knowledge” is part of the word “acknowledge” reminding me that I must first be aware of something before I can truly acknowledge it.

Father, my ears are open to hear You today. Your voice will travel through many vehicles to reach me. May I be attentive to all You have to say. Amen.