Psalm 5:11-12 KJV
"[11] But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. [12] For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; With favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."

What image comes to your mind as you read the word “refuge”?

When my children were small they used to build forts in our living room. They would take the dining room chairs and place 4 of them in corners and two others in strategic places where they could support all the blankets that were used as tent canvas. If they felt like extra protection was needed they would grab the loose sofa cushions and put them in places where there were gaps. They would give shouts of joy when a plan worked and laugh when something collapsed (often onto themselves, because they couldn’t wait for it to be finished before they went in).

A refuge is a place of safety. When we go to such a place it is because we trust in the person or organization to keep us out of harm’s way. As our Shepherd, God is our place of safety. He is our defender and as Psalm 23 says, he protects us with his rod and staff.

In what ways are you trusting the Lord for your protection?

Jesus said that we should become like children. Trusting in God for protection without any doubt. Like my children, we should be joyful in the knowledge that he is protecting us. Even when things feel like they are collapsing, we should still trust that God will protect us and delight ourselves in it.

Psalm 91:9-11 KJV

"[9] Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation; [10] There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. [11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways."

Can you imagine what it would be like to have joy even through your toughest storm because you trust in Jesus completely?

In Psalm 23 David wrote that his cup overflows with blessings because the Lord is his Shepherd. The joy we experience when we trust completely in God and place serving him and others first, is something no one can take away from us. It gives us strength and by the power of the Holy Spirit it will be a fruit in our lives that isn’t dependent on our circumstances.

What small changes can you make to live a joyful life?

May you trust in the Lord like a child and experience His joy!

Philippians 4:4 KJV
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Catherina 🎵