Last Christmas found our family headed to Marco Island, Florida, where Jodi and I were to photograph a wedding. During our time there, we paid a visit to Myakka River State Park to see if we could find any alligators. As it turned out, there were a few around, but there was so much more to see.
In a wildlife refuge like Myakka River State Park, the animals don’t need to be afraid. Even though they watch people coming and going every day, they know they are safe. There is usually an abundance of food, and throughout the park are people dedicated to the animal's thriving who maintain the place. It’s win, win for the animals.
In Psalm 46:1, the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble."
He is calling himself a place of safety. Shelter. Abundance. We can watch kings and kingdoms come and go, our health come and go, our family and friends come and go, and yet we are most at home, and most ourselves when we are sheltered in him.
It's a win, win for us!
And this safety and shelter is both modeled and provided by Jesus himself, who would have prayed and sang Psalm 46 all throughout his life on earth. He constantly reminded himself that even though crucifixion and the weight of the world's sin were just ahead, his heavenly Father was his refuge and would give him the strength he needed to run to the finish line.
In what areas of your life do you feel insecure? How can you remind yourself today that God is your refuge and strength?