The Lord is our Refuge [Day 7]
Updated: Dec 11, 2022
What do you do when emotions are flying in every direction, and it's hard to think clearly? Remember the good deeds of the Lord. Remember the things He brought you out of. Remember all the reasons to be thankful to our Heavenly Father. It's not about the emotions, it's about still believing God for the things we can't see, or feel, yet.
What we were grateful for yesterday, still remains the same today; despite the circumstances, the hurt, the uncertainty, and the adversity.
Let's pray:
Father God, may this prayer be a prayer of thanksgiving, praise, and worship. I thank You my Heavenly Father for the breath in my lungs. I thank You for Your beautiful gift of salvation, Lord God, and the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. I thank You for Your love, Lord God, and for Your wisdom and guidance. I thank You for Your correction and re-direction, Father God, for You love Your children in this way. I thank You, Father God, for the community and family You have ordained for this time. I thank You for those who's hearts are being softened to Your love and salvation, Lord God. I thank You for bringing me closer to You, with every day that passes; even when I drift my own way, You always pursue me.
I thank You, Father God, for the works of Your hands; for the night and morning sky, for the trees that host the birds, for the animals that dwell on the earth waiting on Your word, for the way You created us: individually, wonderfully, and fearfully hand-crafted by You Lord God. I thank You for the seas, for the wind that sounds like Your whisper. Father God. I thank You for this day, and Your provision in it. I thank You, Lord God, for all that I have with all that I have, may it glorify You. I thank You for the gifts You have entrusted me with, Lord God, may it glorify You also. I thank You for the love You've shown me, that has transformed me into a new creation; the one You ordained and spoke into existence.
I thank You for Your Word, that is alive and speaks to us. I thank You for Your presence, and for the privilege to speak to You with boldness and confidence. I thank You for Your beautiful grace and unfailing kindness. I thank You for the joy that remains permanently in the hearts of those who trust in You, Lord God. I thank You for Your peace, that goes beyond understanding, in the face of chaos. I thank You Lord God, for Your protection, for Your Sovereign nature that holds us safely in Your arms, under Your wings. I thank You for You have adopted us into Your family, as a royal priesthood. I thank You because I am Yours, and You are my God.
May the kingdom, and power, and glory be Yours forever and ever. Amen.
Let's dive into the Word and see what our Lord God has for us today:
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalms 91:9-10 NIV
Because you have made the Lord — my refuge, the Most High — your dwelling place, no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent. Psalms 91:9-10 CSB
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. Psalms 91:9-10 NLT
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; Psalms 91:9-10 NKJV
Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. Psalms 91:9-10 AMP
Initially, my mind captures the part about plague and disaster not coming near our tent, or dwelling: which means to me that our families are covered when we declare the Lord as our Savior and refuge. When we consistently meet with the Lord, and rest in His presence, the Lord in His graciousness and love covers our families from harm as well. Evil cannot touch us, and cannot touch those around us, because the Lord is faithful and good.
Imagine how much more we our hearts can freely praise God, believing this Truth, and knowing our loved ones are covered by Him; wrapped in His love, and put on our hearts to pray for. When we pray for them, it opens the gates of The Lord's resources in Heaven and pours it down here on earth; something the enemy cannot touch or tamper with. Praise God.
- Challenge -
Whenever God puts someone on your mind randomly, whether you're on good terms or not, pray for them. It can be a quick prayer or you can take your time; vent to God about the situation, but pray for them and their hearts. Pray that they come to know our Lord Jesus, so that they may share in the goodness of God and become new. And if they already know Jesus, pray for their hearts to be comforted and directed closer to our Lord Jesus, so that they might receive His love and their lives would change in the best ways.
This is a great way to practice forgiveness. This is also a great way to pray for those who may be going through something not yet revealed, like heartbreak or struggle. Trust in the Lord, and allow Him to guide your prayers.
- Closing Prayer -
Father God, I pray that our sins be forgiven, as we also forgive those who have caused us pain. I pray that we lay down and surrender to You, Lord God, and allow Your work to transform our lives, according to Your will. I pray for all of Your children's families and loved ones; that You may soften their hearts that they may come to know You. For those who already know You, Lord God, I pray for strength and healing; for our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. I pray that all that is not of You will be left at the altar of Your feet. I pray that Word would create in us a heart to worship You and praise You, as we trust in You with all our being.
I pray for those who are mourning, grieving, or lost in sadness, that You wrap them in Your love and comfort them like a father would his children, Lord God; for You are the God of comfort and rest. I pray that Your love would overflow in the hearts of Your children, so that we may all be emboldened to carry out Your will for our lives.
We thank You for this and for who You are Lord God, for we believe Your promises and have faith in Your Word.
In Jesus' name. Amen.