My Rock and My Refuge
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:1
This past year has been full of unprecedented times. It’s really difficult to feel okay when so much feels different, but times like these remind us to ask the hard yet simple question: Where is it that we are putting our hope?
Psalm 62 reminds us over and over again that God is our rock and our salvation, our fortress and our refuge. What does that mean exactly? It means that the things of this world do not compare to the goodness of God. He is the Protector, Provider, Healer, Redeemer, and instead of putting our hope in having enough money, owning enough things, or making sure we are surrounded by the right people, our only real hope can come from Him. I’m not saying the earthly things and friends we have are bad, but in scary or stressful moments, I quickly find I’m trying to run to other things rather than stopping and going to God, who already knows what I need.
When I start to feel worried or unsettled, what I’m doing lately is stopping, sitting still for a moment, and asking these questions:
- Am I trusting in other things (money, food, security) more than I’m trusting in God?
- Am I trying to make things happen in my own strength instead of coming to God and praying for his provision?
- Am I going to the news or social media before I spend time in God’s presence?
- Am I letting fear rule my heart or confessing all worry to God?
Once I’ve asked these questions (which are usually all “yes’s”), I can confess and turn back to God, and you know what happens? I feel peace again. I feel settled because I know God is with me and is taking care of me.
The Psalmist commands his soul to wait on God. While we might be able to get quick fixes of distraction or “happiness” through scrolling instagram or doing things in our own strength, ultimately our greatest peace and hope in troubled times can only come from Him.
Today I pray we take a moment to stop, wait, examining our hearts, and pray, asking God to bring us back to a place of peace as we trust in Him, our rock and our refuge.