Encouragement / Discouragement

Day 13 – A Refuge From Discouragement

As I reflect on times of discouragement in my own life, I noticed that during my deepest moments of discouragement, I was not seeking God – therefore, I was not trusting Him – nor was I pouring my heart out to Him. In fact, this was the furthest thing from my mind! How sad is that? The solution to all our problems lies within this one verse. IF we do our job in the first two parts, God has a promise awaiting. This verse is so poignant that David tells the reader to pause and think about it when he inserted “Selah.”

What’s our part? Firstly, we must trust in God at all times. It’s amazing how that little three-letter word was inserted there, isn’t it? David didn’t say just “some” of the time but at all times. Secondly, David says to pour out our hearts to God! He doesn’t say to pour out our hearts to our spouse or best friend, but to God. Many times we are quick to tell others of our problems and fail to tell the Lord. I know what you’re thinking, “Kate, God already knows what my problems are so I don’t need to tell Him!” Yes, this is true. However, I don’t believe that pouring our hearts out to God is for His benefit, but for our benefit. God knows that we are emotional beings because He created us. He knows that man has a need to cry out in time of need and desperation. In fact, Christ experienced this in the Garden when He asked the Father to remove the cup that was before Him (Luke 22:42). However, notice that Christ quickly inserted “not my will, but thine, be done.” He trusted His Father. Christ fulfilled Psalm 62:8, my friend. He trusted, He poured His heart out AND He received the promise.

What promise? The promise is the refuge which God provides when we trust Him and pour our hearts out to Him. Noah Webster defines refuge as:

Shelter or protection from danger or distress.

Christ went to His death so that was not protection from danger. However, His protection was from distress, which was evident in His immediate submission to the Father’s will after He cried out. Christ knew where His help came from. His discouragement was replaced with submission. Jesus knows what we are going through because He went through the same thing! For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)

Looking Up to the Hills

My eyes look up as they search for help
Toward the hills where the promise lies
The Creator’s not far, He works His way
Toward me from the other side

He guides my walk and protects my feet
From stumbling on the rocky steep
Great comfort lies within my heart
Knowing that He shall never sleep

Christ is my shelter, He provides me shade
During the fiery trials of life
Under the shadow of His wings
Peace and comfort throughout the night

This Keeper of my soul so vigilant
Protecting me through life’s storms
And watches over me with such care
Not just today but forever more!

Kate Plourde
August 11, 2006