Where do you run ...

In some suburbs we have identified houses which are termed safe houses. A place of refuge for any children going to school or returning home after school, for whatever reason might feel, or sense they are unsafe. These are places where someone is known (usually) to be home between these hours. These people are trusted. They will provide a safe place, a listening ear, comfort and act upon the threat that exists.

That is what came to mind for me as I read the following:

Psalm 143:1-12 (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my plea!

Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

2 Don’t put your servant on trial,

for no one is innocent before you.

3 My enemy has chased me.

He has knocked me to the ground

and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

4 I am losing all hope;

I am paralyzed with fear.

5 I remember the days of old.

I ponder all your great works

and think about what you have done.

6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.

I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,

for my depression deepens.

Don’t turn away from me,

or I will die.

8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I run to you to hide me.

10 Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing.

11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.

Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies

and destroy all my foes,

for I am your servant.

And especially this verse:  9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.

I think it is important to know where to go when we are feeling uncomfortable in some situation. A place where we can feel accepted. Where someone can care for us. Where someone can set us on the right path. A place where it is safe. And I certainly believe there is no place where that is more applicable than if we were run int the presence of God. We can do this because He is faithful and righteous. We can do this because of His unfailing love.

Let us trust in Him in the ups and lows of life, and know Him to be our safe refuge and place of acceptance.

And know ...

There is often some real gems in the Psalms for us. Tonight I pick up on a couple of points that stood out for me, you will find them in bold in the Psalm below:

Psalm 46 (New Living Translation)

1 God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

3 Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,

the sacred home of the Most High.

5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

From the very break of day, God will protect it.

6 The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!

God’s voice thunders,

and the earth melts!

7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:

See how he brings destruction upon the world.

9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

I love the reminder that in God, I find both my refuge and strength. The Psalmist highlights the effects of disaster that obviously would have been familiar to the people, earthquakes, high seas ... This reminded me of a Blog by Major Brad Watson whilst on deployment to Haiti. Attending a worship service one Sunday, the people were singing of this very fact, though the elements were against them, they trusted in the Lord. Oh that I might continue to place my trust in God to be there for me when stuff is happening around me, and especially when I am affected by it. I want to bear testimony to His faithfulness to me in all things.

The next point was the lovely invitation to - “Be still, and know that I am God!" For me a challenge to settle back and take some time out with God. Reflect upon His majesty, His goodness, His presence, His being. To know Him, and get to know Him better, as God.

Enjoy the Psalm and see what the Lord has to say to you through it.