From the November 2009 issue of Money Matters
God is your refuge
By Marybeth Whalen
“You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge” (Psalm 14:6).
I stumbled across this verse the other day when I was reading my Bible. I thought about the people who have contributed to the mess our country is in. People who lined their own pockets without concern for the ramifications of their choices.
People who knowingly deceived the people who trusted them. People who covered themselves but left others exposed in the process. Evildoers who frustrated the plans of the poor.
There are a lot of us out there right now who feel poor—financially and spiritually—as our plans do indeed feel frustrated.
The good news is, this is not where the verse ends. Yes, bad things happen. Yes, we have all seen our private finances affected by this public crisis. But this verse reminds us that the Lord is our refuge.
I started thinking about what the word refuge means and found this definition in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:
“That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy.”
Then I began cross-referencing the word refuge in other places in the Bible. I found many other Scriptures which remind us that God is our refuge, including 2 Samuel 22:2-4 and Psalm 18:2-3—similar passages that were repeated by King David when he was facing a time of trouble.
Here is what these verses remind us: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:2-4).
I love how both the definition and the verse talk about a refuge being a place where your enemies can’t get to you!
Do you need that reminder today? I know sometimes I need to remember that He offers me that safe place I can run to, a place where my enemies can’t touch me!
Then I found this verse: Psalm 17:14, “O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.”
Do you need to claim that promise today? People who make money their god will receive their reward in this life, but they will spend eternity in longing. That doesn’t sound like a good trade to me!
God promises those of us who place our trust in Him that He will keep us from going hungry, will make sure our children have plenty, and will give us wealth to store up for our children.
That doesn’t mean wealth like our world defines it. Jesus said that He doesn’t give as the world gives.
In God’s Economy, wealth exists in hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
Unlike money, these are the things that last—the things that extend beyond the transitory benefits of this world and bring about eternal blessings.
Do you need to take refuge in God instead of letting bad news rule in your heart and mind?
Do you need to spend time today searching His Word for promises and assurances that will comfort your hurting heart and settle your anxious mind?
Maybe you need to journal your feelings, pouring out your heart to God and seeking His answers.
Maybe you need to pray without ceasing, allowing His presence to give you rest from worry.
Whatever you do, seek refuge in God. He is right there waiting for you to find shelter and safety in Him.
Marybeth Whalen is the mother of six children and is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband, Curt, are authors of a new book titled Learning To Live Financially Free. They share advice and information about marriage and money at their blog, Learning to Live Financially Free, www.marybethandcurt.blogspot.com.
Scripture quotations in this article are from the NIV.
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Finding refuge in God
Many people are looking for security, or refuge, in material things, but Abram found his refuge in God.
Abram’s Reward, part of Crown’s new God Provides™ Film Learning Experience, shows how Abram gave first choice of the land to Lot, his nephew.
Lot had lost his father, and Abram had cared for Lot as he would have cared for his own son. Yet, Lot chose the best land for himself and suffered great loss as a result.
Abram was guided by a heart committed to the Lord. God, not possessions, was his reward. And, God blessed Abram tremendously as a result of the choies he made.
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