WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW IN THE FACE OF TIME

Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Clearly, I remember being escorted down the church aisle with my father fifty years ago. Each year when our anniversary date comes, I so vividly recall memories of my father and mother’s date of passing and their birthdates. Several family dates are imbedded in my mind, and I find it hard to push forward. Past memorial calendar dates captivate me as I focus on the way it was.  My heart burns as I reflect on the then and now.  There are special dates that are locked in our memory bank and will be there for a long, long time. Time after time, events during our life span will stir up our emotions. We might experience being in a dark troublesome place. Those times may affect each of us differently. We all suffer some emotional uneasiness when we reflect.

The Scripture referenced above reminds us to always “trust in the Lord at all times, pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge” (Ps. 62:8). Those words were written by David when He was being confronted by his enemies on every side. What did he do? David waited on the Lord to deliver him. He did not run away from the Lord, but ran fast to the Lord. The Lord is ever present to shield and always protect. He provides the place where we can be comforted when going through life’s events – past and present. His love for us is stronger than any painful event we experience on life’s journey. God is a refuge for us.

A refuge is that place of comfort, security, and safety. God (our refuge) is where we flee to when trouble comes. It is a place of rest (Ps. 46:1-2). The Lord is always near to aid us in whatever appears too difficult to plow through.

When life’s trials seem hard and our emotions become derailed, we tend to seek out and run to family, friends, hobbies, and even work, for relief. Those things provide temporary comfort. They are mere distractions. They do not give peace and rest. True rest can only be found in God. Trust the Lord at all times.

Prayer:  Lord, You are so faithful and Your Word is true. You are more than adequate to see the righteous through all of life’s circumstances. Teach us what it really means to trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen
(by Novella D Carpenter)