Refuge

 “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.” Psalm 73:28

In the season of New Year’s resolutions, I can think of no better one than to make God our refuge and to tell of all His deeds in the past year. The word “refuge” in Psalm 73:28 means shelter from rain, storm or danger. The truth is, there are going to be storms in the coming year – both literally and metaphorically speaking. Each one of us is going to face obstacles. We will each suffer in one way or another. We all will need a refuge. The only question is, what, or who, will we run to for shelter and comfort when those struggles come?

What if we, as God’s people, made no other resolution other than to make Him our refuge? What if our goal in life became to seek comfort and protection in God alone? How would our lives change? How much else would fall into place if He were given the right place in our lives? Our relationships would improve if we stopped looking to other people to make us happy. Our health would improve if we stopped trying to dull the ache with alcohol, drugs, or comfort food and turned to Him with our hurts and disappointments. Our financial situation would improve if we trusted Him with a tithe and stopped trying to spend our way to happiness. The list goes on and on. The nearness of God and the refuge of His Name can change everything.

I couldn’t help but notice the natural effect of making God our refuge in Psalm 73:28. If God is my refuge, then I will tell of all His deeds. Evangelism is a natural by-product of intimacy with God. The more we seek Him, the more we know Him. The more we know Him, the more we love Him. And just like any relationship, the more we love Him; the more we talk about Him.

God, I resolve to make You my refuge in the new year. Remind me to run to You and You alone for shelter from the storms of life. Then, I will tell others of all You have done for me. In Jesus' name, amen.