A Refuge to Run To

We live in unpredictable times. The things we value, the people we care about, the lives we lead—all of it feels uncertain and unstable.  

King David could relate. After years of faithful service to King Saul, the king plotted to murder David. Desperate, David fled to Gath—the home of the giant David killed in battle. After being recognized by the people of Gath, David was so overwhelmed by fear that he pretended to go insane. The king of Gath was repulsed by his “insanity” and so he threw David out of the city. 

By this time, David had escaped death multiple times. He was surrounded by people who hated him, and he had every reason to be anxious and fearful. But in the midst of his uncertain circumstances, he creates a Psalm to praise God for His greatness.   

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.

Psalm 34:1 NLT

Worshiping God put David’s problems into perspective. Situations could shift, but God wouldn’t. He was still powerful, constant, and ever-present. He didn’t always remove David from hard situations, but He saw David through every difficult moment.   

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 

Psalm 34:4 NIV

God was the one who rescued David from his enemies. God was the one who repeatedly provided for His people in the midst of hard times. 

And if He did it before, He can do it again.  

Right now, reflect on the ways God has been faithful to you. In what ways has He protected, provided, strengthened, and encouraged you?  

If you’re struggling to think of examples, that’s okay. If praise doesn’t come easy to you right now, just read through Psalm 34 and let its words become your personal prayer. 

The same God that David talks about is still doing great things in our world. He still listens to the cries of His people. God is still present in our pain, He is still at work in our uncertainty, and He is still all-powerful—even when we feel powerless. 

When nothing in life makes sense—you can still run to Him and find refuge.

Watch the Teaching Clip on the verse of the day Psalm 34:8 by World Vision: Here

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