Safe Refuge

Psalm 34:21-22

Calamity will surely overtake

               the wicked,

     and those who hate the righteous

              will be punished. 

But the LORD will redeem those who

               serve Him. 

     No one who takes refuge in Him will

              be condemned.  (NLT)

     This heartfelt psalm written thousands of years ago, is a clear message from a troubled, yet trusting servant of God.  It's an easily understood message that everyone should pay very close attention to and take heed.  For these two verses are a short and to the point summery of the life God has given us; that whosoever turns their back on the Lord will suffer the consequences.  This dying world can only offer us temporal things at best; things that lead us away from our only Refuge; things that satisfy our longings for the moment and they're gone.  What good are all the worldly things we can gain today when we know they will be gone tomorrow?  Are a few short years of earthly pleasure worth the loss of your soul?  

     Sadly, there are many prideful people in this world who scoff at Christian living because they have been lied to by the greatest deceiver of all time, the devil.  These misguided souls usually have a disdain for the Christian, because those who belong to Christ Jesus (even when they have little), remain joyful in their faith as they wait on the Lord to bless them in the age to come—blessings beyond our limited imaginations—blessings that have no end.  Don’t be a duped, self-serving follower of the world, one who enjoys the moment and worries about dying later.  This is not a wise way to live, my friend.  God has given you this gift of life to glorify Him in the way you live; ways that will prepare you for the glorious eternal life to come.  For what you see now as excellent and good, is nothing compared to the glory that awaits all those who find refuge in the Lord.  You can hide in the darkness of this world and die forever, or run to the Lord and truly live forever.  With God, you are safe!

                      A Whisper of Hope

This world is not safe, My child…it reeks of death and decay.  I, on the other hand am a Safe Haven for those who serve Me faithfully.  I Am their Protector and Provider.  When you run to Me for refuge from this evil and dangerous world, you will find eternal life no matter what this world does.  Look to Me, your eternal Refuge.

Isaiah 51:6

Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth 
beneath. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the 
earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of 
the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever.  
My righteous rule will never end!  (NLT)

                        LORD, You are my strength and fortress,

                     my refuge in the day of trouble. 

                                    (Jeremiah 16:19)