January 14 (Psalm 118:9)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. (ESV)
We are born into a story already well under way. As a result, we assume and expect that the
structures in place around us have it all together and exist for our
benefit. This is a reasonable
perspective of parents for an infant to hold, but we often maintain it long
afterward and extend it to teachers, coaches, and business and government
leaders. Even our casual conversations
challenging the leaders around us are based on the idea that they should be
able to meet all our needs and solve all our problems.
Friends, this is not even remotely realistic. Yes, God often works through other people and
sometimes intervenes directly in our lives, but we must always start by going
to Him. He may then direct us to someone
or lead another person to speak into our situation, but the help comes from
Him. He is our refuge.
Sometimes my first thought is to email friends. In my worse moments I try to handle problems
myself or simply seek refuge in my own turbulent thoughts. This, however, is more than a mistake. It is a missed opportunity. God wants us to take refuge in Him and to
come to Him for the help we truly need.
Father, it is such a deep part of my approach to life to try to do things on my own, and because of that earth-bound outlook, when I do seek help, it is often not from You. I confess and renounce that approach right now. May my first call for help always be to You. May You, and nothing else from which I have ever tried to get strength, be my refuge. In the name of Jesus, Who has cleared the way for me to come freely to You, I pray. Amen.
Copyright © 2018 by Steven R. Perkins
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