Jesus, my refuge
In the midst of adversity, we have a refuge in which we can flee in times of trouble. But the truth is, we should never allow our hearts to leave communion with Jesus, though we are tempted to do that each day.
We are to cultivate our deepest affections to long for Him, not only in the midst of trial, but in our everyday life. We are to bind His word upon our hearts. The same principles that Moses wrote to the nation of Israel applies to us, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.”
The Psalmist affirms this as well, “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways.”
It is true that when someone becomes a source of strength and love to you, the more you desire to be in the presence of that person, and the more restless you are in their absence. How much more should you direct your heart towards your Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the true source of strength in your life and He is the only one Who truly loves your soul. He is the one who went before you and conquered sin, hell, and death. He is the one Who drew you to Himself with sweet melodies of grace.
Christian, never forget, you were once obstinate and wanted sin to reign in your life, but Jesus entered into the catacombs of your ruin and gave you life and the hope of eternal salvation. Therefore, cultivate your spirit for sweet longings for Him, and by doing so, He will bring you to a deeper understanding of His love bestowed upon you at Calvary, and His absence will bitter even in your every joy.
Beloved of God, understand, sin has brought the world into confusion and truth is sought in the minds of fallen men who are by nature, corrupt. We have all been guilty at some point of lying, cheating, stealing, hiding shameful thoughts, harboring hatred, etc. As a result, marriage has been redefined and there is a moral breakdown in family values. Illicit pictures flood the cell phones contaminating the minds of children. The prisons are overcrowded, the news is full of violence and rape, depression is on the rise, and many of our youth are wandering around in search of meaning in their lives. You see, strife and contention exist because truth cannot be found apart from God.
In the days of old, a ship caught in the mighty tempest would be lost at sea unless there was an anchor dropped outside of the ship to hold it in its place.
In the same way, truth must be found outside of mankind, and yet come into humanity to define it. Praise be to God for Jesus Christ the Lord, “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
You see Christian, you can say as the Psalmist, who was struggling with wickedness all around him, “With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.”