REFUGE

Part One   

Part Two   

What I Didn't Say

Refuge--The Bible is very clear that the Lord is a refuge for us.  I seldom refer to Him that way.  It seems like we don't get sheltered from the storms of life very much.  At least, there are times when I feel like that's the case.  But I have to admit, I'm sure things would be much worse if He didn't provide us with that shelter.  It's just that I would like a little more protection from time to time.

I trust He is providing everything I need.  I'm just as sure, however, that I'd selfishly like a little more...a little more shelter, a little more protection, a little more strength, along with a lot fewer of life's stormy times.  I guess I just like it better when things are easy.  But as the old saying goes, "nothing is easy!"

I was speaking with a friend a few years ago who was going through some tough times.  I happened to make the flippant comment that "life is good."  He immediately snapped back, "No it isn't!"  I wasn't sure what to do with that at the time.  It surprised me...even shocked me.  

I suppose it depends upon your perspective.  And I further suppose that, at least sometimes, life isn't good.  I guess we need to take it on faith that our Refuge is there, even when it doesn't seem like He is.  HOSANNA in the highest!

All in all, I'd rather be in the boat during a storm than in the water. It's still a storm, and it's still scary.  But at least there's something (or someone) to hang onto.