refuge

Because of Jesus …

In the first seven verses of Psalm 16, we have learned –

God is our refuge,

All goodness is because of Him,

We are to delight in serving one another,

Denying God will end in sorrow,

We have an inheritance in heaven,

God gives us instruction, and

God is our secure foundation.

These blessings assume we have bowed to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, having placed our sole/soul dependance on the work of His death and resurrection for the payment of our sin. The warning of sorrow is for those who have denied God’s truths. The instruction in God’s word is given as a road map, directing God’s children how to live in a manner which brings Him glory. In an ever-changing world, God is our solid Rock, the hope on which we stand.

David is certain of the Lord’s counsel and instruction in his life.

How does he gain this assurance?

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

First, David is focused on God continually.

Have you ever had something you could just not stop thinking about? Sometimes a tune might be going over and over in your mind or perhaps something someone said or did. In any case, these things present themselves with great frequency, almost without interruption. Here’s another way to think about this. You’re in a public place and amongst all the people; a fly decides you are the one it will bother. It persistently buzzes around your face as you swat at it, but it continues to bother you. This is a negative application of persistence, but the idea is the relentless reminder of its presence. When David says he has set the Lord continually before him, he is thinking upon God literally all the time. God’s truth is always before him, affecting each thought, each action, and every decision. God is his focus.

“ … so a faithful Christian man, whether he abound in wealth or be pinched with poverty, whether he be of high or low degree in this world, ought continually to have his faith and hope surely built and grounded upon Christ, and to have his heart and mind fast fixed and settled in Him, … never to lose sight and view of Christ, never to give over faith, hope, and trust in Him”, Robert Cawdray, The Treasury of David.

Isaiah 26:8-9a Indeed, [while following] the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, we have waited for Thee eagerly; Thy name, even Thy memory, is the desire of [our] souls. At night my soul longs for Thee, indeed, my spirit within me seeks Thee diligently;

Remember, the first verse of Psalm 16 says ‘for I take refuge in Thee’. God is our protection, our hope, and our strength. Our trust belongs to Him alone. But we must stay focused on Him. We walk away from the hedge of protection He gives to us when we follow our own will instead of His. In verse 8 of this Psalm, David knows he will remain in God’s strength because he has set his focus on Him continually.

Think back upon decisions you have made, words you have shared, thoughts you have entertained, and actions you have chosen that have not honored God. In every instance, you should be able to recognize that you were not seeking His guidance sincerely. We have a foolproof plan of protection from being caught up in sin. However, when our selfish desires beckon and we look away from the Light for just a moment – that is when we fail. When we neglect the necessity of our involvement in a church body, true Biblical teaching, accountability, fellowship, and loving correction from fellow believers, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the offerings of the world. Consider, most individuals don’t choose to lie, cheat, or steal, or even have an affair, instead they gradually convince themselves these things are okay, they justify sin because they are weak and have left themselves unprotected against Satan’s manipulation. Pride takes over and we begin to think, ‘I would never do that’. If you depend on your own strength, you are wide open to failure, and without Christ you will fall into the practice of sin just as the world does.

Consider, do you have close friends who will hold you accountable and ask hard questions?

Have you gradually pulled yourself away from fellowship thinking you don’t need it?

Do you convince yourself you are doing okay on your own?

Are you unable to forgive others for their offenses against you, and you remain isolated because of this?

In all these situations, if you answer yes, you are doing a good job at leaving yourself vulnerable and you are thinking too highly of yourself when you say you are okay without fellowship and serving alongside other believers. There is a reason God set up our church family with each individual offering different strengths and talents. Together we make a whole.

In John Wesley’s Notes regarding the words ‘I have set’, he says it means ‘I have always presented him [the Lord] to my mind, as my witness and judge, as my patron and protector’… Christ as man did always set his father's will and glory before him.

Acts 2:25, “For David says of Him, ‘I WAS ALWAYS BEHOLDING THE LORD IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN’.

We are to always consider God in all circumstances. Notice the constant reliance upon God. This is different than only seeking His help when we encounter trials or praising His name when we recognize blessings. We need to be discerning in our words, thoughts, and actions. For instance, my husband was a college professor for almost forty years. He always left his office door open when he met with a female student. He never wanted to give any appearance that would mar his Christian profession.

“David did not by fits and starts set the Lord before him; but he "always" set the Lord before him in his course; he had his eye upon the Lord, and so much the Hebrew word imports: I have equally set the Lord before me; that is the force of the original word, that is, I have set the Lord before me, at one time as well as another, without any irregular affections or passions, etc. In every place, in every condition, in every company, in every employment, and in every enjoyment, I have set the Lord equally before me; and this raised him, and this will raise any Christian, by degrees, to a very great height of holiness”, Thomas Brooks in The Treasury of David.

If you are of an older generation, you may remember the commercial for Calgon, a foaming milk bath. In the 1970-1980’s, the “Calgon Take Me Away” campaign focused on a moment of relaxation from the world’s cares. These advertisements were very successful, in large part because people could relate to the stresses of life. The flesh response to trouble is to be shaken and become disengaged; to run away from circumstances when it becomes difficult. The believer’s response to trouble is to be strengthened in their dependence on Christ and trust in His protection and plan.

The example we have from the Psalmist is to set our sights on the Lord. Christ, while on this earth, kept his eyes and purpose set on His Father’s will. “David might perhaps have some regard to his own hope and experience in these verses: but doubtless Christ was especially intended. – As man, He relied on the power, truth, love and promise of the Father: therefore He was not moved in His deepest sufferings; but “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, and despised the shame”, Thomas Scott.

How easy is it for us to lose our focus on what is truly important?

Setting our eyes on Jesus is a purposed effort. It is a choice we can make because His Spirit is working in us giving us the strength and desire to do God’s will. When something doesn’t go as expected we can either focus on the problem or we can remember our true purpose on this earth. If we are determined to honor God, we will look at the perfect example of His Son. He came to serve – not Himself, but others, and to do the will of His Father in heaven. Jesus is the example of holiness we are to follow.

If we constantly keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not fall off the course He has intended for us. There is great value in receiving counsel from God’s word and God’s children.

God has a perfect design for His creation and His children. Consider this, a marathon runner keeps their eyes on the goal of finishing. Along the trail, they may become weary, they may be injured, or even take a wrong turn. Those who finish keep going, they do not lose sight of the purpose and they push forward through all kinds of difficulty. We can trust that God will guard our steps and give us the strength to follow Him.

The things we put in our mind often are the things which affect us most. When my thoughts are on Jesus, my heart will be turned towards His promises, His faithfulness, His strength, and His purpose for my life.

Isaiah 26:8 Indeed, [while following] the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, we have waited for Thee eagerly; Thy name, even Thy memory, is the desire of [our] souls.

When my eyes are on God as my protector, I will not be shaken; with my eyes on God as my purpose, I will stay the course. Are you willing to ask the Holy Spirit moment by moment to be your guide in all Truth and wisdom? What do the priorities in your life say about you? Are there things that have captured your interest and are bigger and more important than your relationship with God?

Psalm 73:24-25 With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven [but Thee]? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.

Second, David gains the assurance of God’s help through God’s strength. Because the Lord is at his right hand, he will not be shaken.

Being at the right hand of someone implies strength. God is the strength that causes David to stay on course, to be steadfast. With God’s presence and His help, we can be certain that we are safe and secure. As God’s children we can trust in Him to guard us. When we stay focused on Him, desiring to please Him in all things, we will not fail.

Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with Thee; Thou hast taken hold of my right hand.

Psalm 62:6-7 He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory [rest]; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Psalm 121:5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

Through all circumstances we are to keep God’s will and glory in our sight. We have the assurance of His presence and help in our trials to strengthen and guide us. We are promised a future in heaven with our Savior and Lord.

The Lord is our confidence on earth and our certain hope of heaven.

Psalm 62:5-7 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.

All because of Jesus.

Complete Trust

We have an inexhaustible source of peace, strength, protection and compassion in God.

Trust – to move fast for refuge, to be confident or sure

Forever – eternity, perpetually, without end

The Lord – Jehovah, the self-Existent or Eternal

Everlasting – time out of mind, eternity, continuance

Rock – a refuge, strength

Where is your trust? Notice the word in. Only two letters and seemingly insignificant yet without our trust being in the Lord, failure is eminent. All other sources of our confidence will be unsuccessful. Where does your strength come from? Where do you turn for safety? In God alone we find refuge.

Deuteronomy 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Isaiah 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation."

God is unchanging in His love and power at all times and in all circumstances.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary says God is “a sure refuge to all those that trust in Him, through all generation; therefore you may safely trust in Him, and that forever”.

“Happy are those who are protected and kept in peace by their Omnipotent God. Is there one in our house who does not trust in the Lord? Let us pray that all our minds may be stayed on God”. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

We have an inexhaustible source of peace, strength, protection and compassion in God.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

I pray you place your trust in God, not yourself nor any other person or thing. Have confidence in His care for you. Seek His shelter and guidance in all things and He will sustain you for His glory.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Have a beautiful day as you Focus Heavenward.

Dinosaur Age!

I wrote this study to share at the Assisted Living Home that my Mom now resides at. They offer a devotional group every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and I was blessed to have the opportunity to encourage my Mom and some of her friends and residents with God’s word. It is a delight for me to watch those who are getting up there in years have the desire to serve God in any way they are able. Sometimes it may just be an encouraging hug and smile. I have been given the blessing of watching my Mom bloom spiritually in her nineties! A few months ago she told me that God had a plan for her right where she was with the ‘older’ people! She is developing a heart of compassion towards those who are lonely and she has taken it upon herself to become an encourager. God is truly amazing to have allowed me to witness this caring heart in my Mom in her senior years!

Several weeks ago, while in the car with my six year old granddaughter, she asked me this question. “Mina, do you have pictures of Tyrannosaurus Rex?” My reply was yes, I think we may have a few pictures in a book. She then proceeded to let me know what she really meant. She wanted to know if I had pictures of myself as a child with a T-Rex! Apparently, her Daddy had told her that dinosaurs lived a very long time ago. She had concluded that I must have lived with them! To a six year old, I am beyond old!

Try to think back to when you were in your twenties. Remember how you would look at people in their thirties and forties and think they were pretty old?! Then, suddenly, when you find yourself in your fifties, you realize you have friends in their sixties and that age no longer seems so old. Now, as I’m pushing sixty personally, seventy still seems rather young to me! Age, at least the number of our years, is relative. How old or how young you are depends on your comparison. For instance, to my grandchildren, I am old. To those in their nineties, I am still young!

There are many accounts of old people in the Bible.

In the book of Genesis, we read that Adam lived to be 930 years old (Genesis 5:5). In comparison, you are all just infants! Still in the book of Genesis, we read that Seth was 912 (Gen 5:8), Enosh lived to be 905 (Gen 5:11), and Jared died at 962 (Gen 5:20).

You’ve heard of Noah. He lived to the ripe old age of 950 years old. By the way, the ark was built over a span of approximately 100 years and Noah began construction of it when he was about 500 years old! Now that seems extremely old to us as we consider age, but when you take in account that he lived to the age of 950, Noah was only middle aged when the construction of the ark began! Isn’t it encouraging to know that at 500 years old God still used Noah?! What does that mean for us? No matter our age, God has a purpose and use for His children! Our understanding of time is measured in what we know, so it has limits. God’s measure of time is eternal.

Methuselah has the honor of having the longest life span recorded – he reached the age of 969 years before he died. So all of us should be thinking that we’re pretty young by now!

Jacob, the father of Joseph, only lived to the age of 147. Young by the standards of those who lived before him.

There are some good things and not-so-good things about aging. Try to recall when you were a teenager. You probably got up each morning and practically jumped out of bed. You didn’t know what sore muscles were and the energy to do everything was readily available! That is a good thing. The downside for most teenagers, is the need to fit in with the crowd. You may have acted or dressed a certain way in order to look like everyone else.

As you become older, you may not have the same boundless energy, but independence develops, and the constraints of looking or acting like those who are the same age disappear. The pictures I’ve seen of my Mom when she was a young adult are striking. She was fashionable and wore the tight sweaters that were popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Isn’t it true that the style of clothing as you become older is chosen for its comfort rather than if it’s trendy or not? I remember thinking it was odd that my Mom would find a certain kind of top she liked and she’d get it in every color. For her, it was practical, it was comfortable and it worked! There was no concern of needing to ‘fit in’ with the crowd. This is a good thing! What does the Bible say about becoming older? We’ll look at Psalm71:5-9 and break it down into sections.

Ps 71:5-9 For Thou art my hope; O Lord GOD, [Thou art] my confidence from my youth. 6 By Thee I have been sustained from [my] birth; Thou art He who took me from my mother's womb; my praise is continually of Thee. 7 I have become a marvel to many; for Thou art my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with Thy praise, and with Thy glory all day long. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

We can read the above scripture and be encouraged by it as we apply it to our lives right now. For instance, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be able to look back upon your life and see His hand in supplying you with exactly what was needed through the good times and the difficult times. God gave us life, He caused us to born into this earth. And, like the Psalmist, our praise should be continually of God. He is the reason we live! King David was able to proclaim these truths because he trusted in God completely. When we place our complete trust in God for His direction and His answers, we find peace. We realize we’ve already been chosen for His team! There is no pressure to try to fit in, to look like everyone else. We also no longer feel the need or have the responsibility to figure everything out. An important question then to ask ourselves personally is, ‘Have we placed our trust in the One True God, or have we placed it in someone or something else?’

Most older individuals have learned that they cannot trust in their health. It becomes obvious that our body has a life span as it begins to break down. But what about other things we might trust rather than fully relying upon God? We may trust in someone or something in the sense of counting on them, but how often are we disappointed? Money doesn’t last and really can’t buy true and fulfilling happiness. People, even our closest family and friends, are not perfect and therefore can sometimes be a discouragement or can disappoint us even without meaning to. God is the only constant in our lives. With Him there are no variables. He has never changed and will never change. He is always available and accessible. He alone provides true joy even in the midst of uncertainty and pain. The conclusion?

God is our hope,

God is our confidence,

He has sustained us,

He will continue to do so and,

Our response should be continuous praise to Him!

Let’s continue with Psalm 71 and look at the next verse.

David, our Psalmist, says he ‘had become a marvel to many’. Consider. He was just a shepherd boy when he fought off Goliath with a slingshot and a stone. This same boy became King and reigned for forty years! It is amazing what God can do with a life, how He orchestrates His perfect plan.

I’m sure many of you have the most incredible stories of God’s hand in your lives. It is a blessing in older age to look back and recognize how God has protected you, encouraged you, and strengthened you. Some people may even look at your long life in amazement as they have seen your ability to remain steadfast in God even through difficult and scary times. It is a marvel to watch God’s work! A blessing of becoming older is being able to see God’s story in your life. As you look back and see His care and guidance, your assurance of His continued work in your life grows.

I love that the second part of Psalm 71:7 says, “for Thou art my strong refuge”. Consider. What is a refuge? The Hebrew translation of this word [machaceh] means a shelter, hope, a place of refuge, trust.

God is our refuge. Our shelter, our hope and our trust. This truth is incredibly comforting. Whether we consider ourselves to be young or old, we have a place of hope. We have Someone to trust. Our nation seems to be taking a turn away from God rather than following Him as our founders did. Some of you can recall a television show from years ago, ‘I Love Lucy’. There was no foul language, no violence, and no morality issues in that series – it was just a funny show, made for entertainment. I must be getting old because I can hardly find a television show that I believe is decent today. Perhaps things really are just getting worse. Regardless, there is truth we can stand on. God is in control and He is not at all surprised at how things are going in the world. In fact, He knows the whole story from beginning to end. And, we can completely trust Him! When life seems bleak and our paths take a difficult turn, when exhaustion sets in or pain is something to be dealt with on a daily basis, you name it, in any circumstance – God is our place of comfort, our hope for the future and our shelter from the storm.

Let’s not miss out on the word that precedes ‘refuge’ in Psalm 71:7. It says, “strong” refuge. Strong: great power, force and authority. I’ve noticed that as I get older, I’m not as physically strong as I used to be! My arm muscles seem to have fallen from the tops of my upper arms! Some of you may notice that the strength in your legs has decreased as you’ve aged. Eyesight changes, balance can change and the need for a cane or walker for support may become necessary. The brand of hearing aids is a topic of conversation in older circles. But there should be no discouragement in these facts of aging. Why?

According to the Bible, strength is found in God. Now you may not be able to physically do the things you want, but when our strength is found in God, He will give you the ability to do whatever He desires of you. God is our force – our drive – and He is our security – our protection. Consider. If God was powerful enough to cause a young shepherd boy to slay a giant, and commission Noah to build an ark at the age of 500 years old, then He is able to use anyone, regardless of age or ability, for His glory!

There is a story of a woman named Joni Eareckson Tada. You may have heard of her name. She became paralyzed from her neck down when she was quite young. God has used her life to encourage many thousands of people even though most of her life has been spent in a wheelchair.

The second reason we can be encouraged is that every step we move forward here on earth brings us closer to our eternal destiny! Heaven. Forever with God. In the book of Revelations there is a beautiful description of heaven. This particular section of scripture is close to my heart as it is the one I read with my Dad just weeks before He died. I remember that as we read this together, he was peaceful even though he was in significant pain. He was comforted and had a smile on his face as he closed his eyes and pictured the place he was being called home to in a short while. His body was breaking down but He trusted fully in the work of Jesus on the cross, and he had been given the assurance through his trust in Jesus that his soul would live on. God was his strong refuge even through the process of a dying physical body.

Re 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be [any] death; there shall no longer be [any] mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." I encourage you to read Revelation 21:1-27.

Did you know that being old and gray is a privilege? Not everyone gets this opportunity.

Pr 16:31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.

The Hebrew words in this scripture can actually be translated to say, “old age is beautiful”!

Pr 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair. (The word ‘honor’ in this verse means magnificence, ornament or splendor – beauty) Consider. The one thing that comes with age is experience. An older person has the blessing of looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness in their life.

Just as God showed His love and faithfulness to the Jews, God’s children can trust that He will continue to be faithful, “even to old age and even in graying years”.

Isa 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.

Job 12:12 "Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.

We do need to be careful. Old age is not to be held above those who are younger. There are many young individuals who are wise and have understanding. Both youth and age have advantages and we can all learn from and help one another.

Perhaps the encouragement that can be taken is that even in old age, you have many things to offer. If God has planned for your life to reach well into the eighties and nineties and even beyond, you can be sure He has a reason for it. Consider it an honor that He still is working through your life for the sake of His glory!

In the book of Titus, there is a list of characteristics for older men and older women. (Titus 2:2-3)

Older men are to be:

temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love and perseverance.

Older women are to be:

reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, not enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good.

When we are tempted to wonder about our usefulness or our purpose, especially as we get older, the above lists give a clear directive of what we are to be about doing.

In the book of Hebrews, we read about Jacob as he was dying. According to Genesis 47:28, he was 147 years old.

Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

We are given a picture of an old man, feeble and weak. As he leaned on his cane, he blessed his grandchildren. Most important to note is Jacob’s worship of God. One of the commentaries I read says,

“Nothing was more natural than that the old man should lean reverently forward, and incline his head upon the top of his staff, and adore the covenant faithfulness of his God.” (Albert Barnes NT Commentary)

Jacob expressed his gratitude towards God. He had the assurance that God would fulfill His promises. Jacob was weak in his body but remained strong and hopeful in his faith. God was his strong refuge.

The assurance that God is your strong refuge, your hope, your confidence and your strength will lead you to praise and worship of Him for His promises. Sometimes, it is easier to complain than to think of what is good. When you realize that your very breath comes from God, and that He has your life planned for His glory, there is much to be thankful for. The next verse in Psalm 71, verse 8, says “My mouth is filled with Thy praise, and with Thy glory all day long”.

Let’s recognize a few key things in this scripture. First, the words, ‘my mouth is filled’. Specifically, the Psalmist’s speech is filled or confirms God’s glory, honor and majesty. And notice this is not a one-time thing. It is continual – all day long. Perpetually. David remains in the place of offering God praises continuously. As you look back at God’s faithfulness in your own life and ‘marvel’ at His guidance and protection, does praise for who He is and what He has done fill your mouth?

Consider how this attitude might be an encouragement to those around you! Having an attitude of praise to God in all circumstances is an incredible tool in encouraging someone else. Just a smile and friendly hello or sincere question of concern can lighten someone’s day.

Read what this commentary (Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman) says about Ps 71:8, “And that I shall still have abundant cause to praise without ceasing thy most magnificent goodness towards me”.

Ps 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness [And] Thy praise all day long.

Ps 146:2 I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Our hearts should be filled with gratitude because of God’s goodness to us. His faithfulness to His children produces an assurance of His love and protection for all of their life. The recognition of this truth can then lead us to know that even into old age, God will not forsake His children. He will not abandon us just as He did not abandon Jacob. Look at Psalm 71:9.

David, our Psalmist, calls to God for His help just as he did when he was young. He requests of God to continue to use him even in his older age and weakness. God does not discard us when we become old. He will continue to give His strength to His children. Our bodies may become weak, but our souls remain strong in Christ.

Ps 71:18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come.

Ps 92:13-15 Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Isa 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Charles Spurgeon, in his ‘Treasury of David’, says this, “Old age robs us of personal beauty, and deprives us of strength for active service; but it does not lower us in the love and favour of God”.

If you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then you have seen Him work throughout your life for His glory. His blessings abound and will continue to do so even through your aged years and weakness. We can all have this hope in Christ and continue to be used by Him if we trust in His work on the cross. It’s never too late to come to an understanding of who Jesus is and recognize your need for His grace.

John Wesley wrote the following on his 86th birthday. “This day I enter on my eighty-sixth year. I now find I grow old:

(1) My sight is decayed, so that I cannot read a small print, unless in a strong light.

(2) My strength is decayed, so that I walk much slower than I did some years since.

(3) My memory of names, whether of persons, or places, is decayed, till I stop a little to recollect them.

What I should be afraid of, is, if I took thought for the morrow, that my body should weigh down my mind, and create either stubbornness, by the decrease of my understanding, or peevishness, by the increase of bodily infirmities; But Thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.”

Whether you feel as if you lived with the dinosaurs or even perhaps think you look like you may have lived in the prehistoric time, the blessing of God’s favor and presence is available to each of His children at any age. There is no need to fear getting old if your faith is placed in the one true Eternal God of the Bible. Old age is a crown of glory and a blessing.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Pinions

He doesn’t leave our side for even a moment, He doesn’t even look away. It’s like having the best bodyguard full time. And, God protects more than just our physical being. He protects our thoughts, what’s in our mind and heart.

Ps 91:1-3 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence Ps 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Truth. We can trust in the faithfulness of God’s protection and strength. For studies on the first three verses of Psalm 91, see “The Perfect Shelter” on Ps 91:1; “Fort Jefferson or Jesus” on Ps 91:2; and “JITNOT” on Ps 91:3.

Psalm 91:4 continues with the same assurance of God’s protection.

Last summer, a beautiful bird made a nest between the fork of three branches about five feet off the ground in our peach tree. The nest looked very stable and secure with several larger twigs and small pieces of twine and threads closely interwoven. It was surprisingly dense and sturdy. It was a good size nest, about the size of my hand. It was past spring so it seemed a bit late for eggs to be laid but lay them she did. Three beautiful oval shaped speckled eggs. Then she sat and when she did she opened her wings to entirely cover the nest. What a fun gift from God for us to enjoy! And a beautiful picture of tender care. Each time I would walk by to check on her, she would squawk loudly warning me off.

Ps 91:4 He shall cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

cover <cakak> to entwine as a screen, to fence in, cover over, protect, defend, hedge in

Think of a child pulling the covers over their head when they’re scared. Why? They feel protected. If you’re close to my age, you’ll remember the siren raid drills during school hours. They would go off and you would immediately hide under the desk with your head down and your hands clasped over the back of your neck. Why? For protection, just in case there was a nuclear bomb attack. Protection or the feeling of protection gives us assurance that things will be okay even when we’re frightened.

God protects us completely. Psalm 91 says He will cover us with His pinions. Picture again the mother bird covering her nest with her wings. The nest was covered so well that you weren’t able to even see the eggs she was protecting. In fact, the nest itself was barely visible when her wings were spread. Now think of how big God is! We are unable to imagine this because He is everywhere all the time! His protection for His children is without flaw. Perfect. Unlike the mother bird, He doesn’t leave our side for even a moment, He doesn’t even look away. It’s like having the best bodyguard full time. And, God protects more than just our physical being. He protects our thoughts, what’s in our mind and heart. Where else can you find this kind of care?

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Fort Jefferson or Jesus?

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength.

Ps 91:2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

My refuge - <machaceh> a shelter (literally or figuratively); hope, place of refuge, shelter, trust.

A refuge is a safe place. Something or someone we turn to for assistance and security; a shelter from danger or hardship (WordWeb). Think sanctuary or asylum. Places of protection and safety.

My fortress - <matsuwd> a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; castle, defense, fortress, stronghold, strong place.

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength. A stronghold keeps the enemy out. Fortresses were commonly built as defensive structures with weapons aimed and prepared to defend. Several years ago, I visited the ruins of Fort Jefferson. The picture below was taken while it was in active use.

One of America’s largest masonry-built buildings was designed in the mid-1800s to ward off pirates from the Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes. Located on Garden Key way out in the Florida Keys, past Key West, Fort Jefferson is made of more than 16 million bricks. It was a massive upgrade from the lighthouse that originally stood on this spot. The fort was in active use through the Civil War, mainly to house prisoners, but its thick walls weren’t as impressive by the late 1800s and it was abandoned as a fort. The structure was never fully finished, but the six-sided fort covers 11 of the 16 acres of land on the key and remains a tourist destination. Wikipedia.

Billions of dollars are spent in building structures for protection. Think military fortifications that are currently in use, secretive buildings that require the latest technology in identification for access. Is anything man-made immune from attack from an enemy? Consider 9-11 and the Pentagon. No matter how much money is spent or what technology is used, human kind is not impervious to attack.

But, where does the greatest source of infringement come from? From within. The same minds that work hard to think of ways to protect are the same minds that follow sin to the road of destruction and chaos. Intelligence can be used for good; it can also be used for evil. For attack. There are numerous weapons used for physical attack in war. Missiles, bombs, guns, grenades and, yes, even airplanes have been used as weapons. While many of us have been spared the experience of bodily harm from enemies, most of us can relate in one way or another to internal onslaught. Spiritual attack is often launched towards others from within. The use of spoken words, written words or stirring up hostility within a group are methods of attack commonly used by people. When this happens, where do you go? Who guards your heart, your thoughts, and your actions in response to attack?

Think again about a physical place of refuge. For all our efforts to provide physical protection, it eventually becomes outdated or wears out. No man made structure is completely impervious to attack. Buildings deteriorate, technology becomes old. What was once the best we have, now lays in ruins. Look at the pictures below of Fort Jefferson in July of 2009.

We do have an answer! It is not all futility. This is not a story of ho-hum humdrum, nowhere to go, wearisome thoughts. Rather, it is reminder of the exciting benefit we can have in Christ as our strength and security. The onslaught towards Truth is weak when met by God, our perfect and permanent refuge and strength.

Click for more study on Psalm 91:2…

The Perfect Shelter Ps 91:1

There is One perfect shelter that will withstand all attack. And this is pretty cool – it’s free! At least free to us. The price was significant to God.

There are shelters of many kinds. A shelter provides protection from danger and weather. There are women’s and children’s shelters, homeless shelters, tornado shelters, animal shelters, credit shelters and wilderness survival shelters.

We use an umbrella as a shelter from the rain and the sun, and there are shelters at many public transportation stops that are used while waiting for a bus or train, etc., to arrive. I’m certain that a search of this word would produce many more names of different types of shelters. Wikipedia says “Having a place of shelter, of safety and of retreat, i.e. a home, is commonly considered a fundamental physiological human need…”

Peter Menzel, a well-known international photographer and journalist, has a series of photos on his website of different houses in different countries around the world. There is a photo of a mud-walled house in the West African City of Djenne, Mali; an earth house in Shingkhey, Bhutan; round homes in South Africa; as well as Victorian cottages in Massachusetts and adobe style homes in New Mexico.

If you are interested, you can purchase a bomb shelter. One website I was lead to, suggested that anyone who wasn’t paranoid about the world’s threats should be paying more attention. There is a bomb shelter company in Texas that can provide structures that protect from nuclear, chemical, biological, EMP, war and tornadoes. Kind of a one-size-fits-all bunker. (I did have to look up what EMP stood for: it’s the electromagnetic pulse that is emitted after a nuclear attack.)

So, what’s the point?! Shelters are important in our lives, albeit to varying degrees. I won’t be purchasing a build-it-yourself fallout shelter anytime soon. Perhaps I’m not paranoid enough yet. For most, a place they call home is their safety. Yet, consider: if there was total or perfect protection in a home, there would be no need to pursue or even think of the idea of additional shelter in the event of a catastrophic event.

There is One perfect shelter that will withstand all attack. And this is pretty cool – it’s free! At least free to us. The price was significant to God. Have you received His permanent protection? Are you able to take refuge in His shadow?
Continue for a study on Ps 91:1.

Tag: refuge

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