I read today from Psalm 62. Verses 5-8 say, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”
We often hear “you can be whatever you want to be.” We grab onto that and have plaques and catchy sayings and even make it a statement in a movie (Back to the Future: “I told you. Set your mind and you can accomplish anything.”) Only…it’s not true. I wanted to be a professional baseball player but I didn’t have the ability. No amount of dreaming would bring that about. Same with basketball. Love of a sport does not translate into success in a sport.
So many pursue what is only a pipe dream. I’m not saying it’s wrong to dream, but let’s face it: a 5’1″ overweight boy will never be a world-class sprinter not matter how much he trains, no matter who he gets to train him. No matter his dream of being an Olympic runner. The tragedy is when people put all their eggs in one basket and come up empty. Then what?
That’s where the previously mentioned Scripture come in. There really is only one shelter, one refuge. Try as we may we will not find a shelter/refuge in anything this world offers. Sadly, what has been designed for entertainment has taken on our escape drug. What has been designed to keep us alive (food) has taken on a dominant force in many lives. The story goes on.
Truth: we can run; we can hide; we can chase; we can dream; but here really is only one true place of shelter, only one reliable stronghold. Only one place of refuge when the storms hit.
“Father, be my shelter. Be the place I run and hide. Your Word says you are my fortress, my salvation, and my glory. Let me run to you when everything is breaking loose; when I run out of options; when I’m seeking refuge from the storm.”
This Psalm goes very nicely with what I have been reading this week. Seeking Our Rock… It is important to be reminded that dreams and pursuits are important, but should never be relied upon as my foundation, as my rock… as my fortress.
I agree Ryan. Dreams are subjective and therefore can’t be reliable.
Bill, it does seem that Ryan and you have a theme going this week with our God being our Rock and Refuge. So true! There is nothing in or of this world that can take the place of the salvation and security we have in the Lord.
Blessings!
We haven’t been checking with each other. Honestly! 🙂
LOL! I figured that, but I’ve experienced those type of God-incidences with other bloggers I follow. It’s great when it happens!
And thanks, too, for your card, Bill – it arrived today. Blessings!
You’re welcome for the card.
The things of this world are fine, but pale in comparison to the grace of our Father. And He designs each of us for a specific gift.
Ain’t that the truth Floyd!