We all need a place of refuge

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “God’s power in you and for you”

Our Bible verse for today: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “We all need a place of refuge”

I have to admit, I have never been a very good neighbor. Oh, it’s not that I’m a bad neighbor. I’m not. I am friendly (up to a point); I do pay attention to my neighbors; and I am always willing to help them when they have a need. I mow my yard and mind my own business and I’m not very noisy. But I’m also not one of those neighbors who spends a lot of time hanging out at the backyard fence gabbing with my neighbor next door and getting together to play cards.

Instead, my home is my refuge from the world. It’s my quiet place. It’s the place I retreat into when I need to refresh, renew, and recharge (which is often). Aimee says there’s a “Zen-like” quality to my homelife. If so, it’s not an accident and it doesn’t happen magically. I have been intentional about cultivating and maintaining home as a refuge because I need that. As a pastor I spend a lot of time interacting with the world, dealing with problems, and working through difficult situations (just like you do). So, when I’m home I want to unplug, relax, and just spend time with God and with my family.

Our world is chaotic on a good day. In fact, life itself is chaotic on a good day. So, we all need a refuge we can retreat to for rest and renewal. That’s how God builds our strength back up so we’re then ready to go back out and reenter the fray.

For me, home is that primary refuge, but church on Sunday is another. Gathering with my brothers and sisters in my church family, shutting out the cares and concerns of life and focusing instead on worship, discipleship, fellowship, and encouragement, is a soothing balm to my battered soul. There’s a spiritual dynamic created when Spirit-filled believers are together, each bringing their own deep and rich relationship with the Lord and adding it to the group mix. It’s a powerful thing.

The more demanding and uncertain life is the more we need times and places that immerse us in a deep sense of stability and peace. I encourage you to have those times and places and to give yourself the freedom to withdraw into them regularly and consistently so God can renew your strength.

We all need those places of refuge from the storms of life. I hope your home and your church are those places for you.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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