I Have Taken Refuge
Date: April 27, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse - Psalm 71:1 (NIV) - "In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame."
L - Listen for God's Word and pray - Dear Lord, as we read this verse, we ask that You speak to our hearts and show us what it means to take refuge in You. Help us to trust in You and not be afraid. We pray that Your peace and protection will surround us always.
E - Explore the History and Meaning - In this psalm, the writer is expressing his trust and confidence in God. He is seeking God's help and protection from his enemies. The phrase "taken refuge" means to trust in God as a place of safety and protection. This psalm reminds us that when we face challenges and difficulties, we can turn to God as our refuge and find hope and strength in Him.
S - Study and Savor the Key Words or Phrases - The key words and phrases in this verse are "refuge" and "never be put to shame".
To take refuge in God means to trust Him as a safe place where we can find protection and help.
The phrase "never be put to shame" reminds us that when we trust in God, He will never abandon us or let us down. We can have confidence in His faithfulness and goodness.
S - Summarize and Share - When we face difficult circumstances, it's easy to become overwhelmed with fear and doubt. We may feel like we have nowhere to turn and that no one can help us. But Psalm 71:1 reminds us that in those moments, we can turn to God and find refuge in Him.
For me personally, this verse has been a source of comfort during challenging times. Whenever I feel anxious or uncertain about the future, I remember that God is my refuge and strength. I can trust Him to guide me through the storm and provide me with the wisdom and courage I need to face whatever comes my way.
So how can we apply this verse to our lives? When we face difficulties, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength. We can pray to Him for guidance and ask for His help in navigating the challenges we face. And when we come out on the other side, we can share our testimonies with others to encourage them and show them that God is faithful and true to His promises.
Bible Cross References -
Psalm 31:1-3: "In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me."
Psalm 46:1-3: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Psalm 118:8-9: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."