For In You I Take Refuge

Psalm 16:1&2 Keep me safe, my god, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

            There are things that go bump in the night. Things that creak, and groan. When we moved into our new home, Pam and I started hearing lots of new noises. There are noises from vehicles passing by on the streets. Moving to a house on the corner of two streets after having lived on a cul de sac for a number of years has opened our ears to a plethora of new vehicle noises. And there are the sounds you hear as the house adjusts to daily temperature changes and blowing of the wind. We were familiar with the noises from the old house. So, now we have a whole set of new noises to investigate and become comfortable with.

            We go through life with many new experiences. Some of these new experiences can be unsettling. And some of the new experiences can be exciting. After a while these experiences become part of our ‘routine’. Most of us seek the comfort of a routine. For in that routine we find consistency. Change is unsettling. Extreme change can be frightening. And through all change we seek something to hold onto that is anchored firmly in what we can trust. Often in the midst of a new experience we can become disoriented and lost. Many have fallen victim to despair brought on by extreme change. Many forget that in God our Father we have the hand to grasp when we need reassurance.  Often times we need a gentle reminder or a little help in remembering just how much God our Father really loves us. We sometimes need someone to help point out to us that in God our Father we find our refuge from any storm. Help can come in the form of a friend, a family member, a person at our church or a member of the pastoral staff at our church.  At Grace Lutheran Pocatello we have a wonderful Stephen Ministry program. Our Stephen Ministers are extensively trained to provide help in keeping focus on God in times of struggle. This ministry has been a true blessing to many in the past and is focused on remaining available for those who need help in the future. God gives each of us a spiritual gift. The opportunity to serve others by placing a human face on the Real Love of God the Father is what Stephen Ministry is all about.

            Are you in the midst of a crisis? Are you struggling with an experience that you need help walking through in faith. If so, please contact the church office at Grace. Help is available. There are Stephen Ministers who can help you find comfort in the love of God and to help you walk through what you are experiencing. All you have to do is ask. For in God we find our refuge.

PRAYER: Lord there are times when we struggle with life and all the experiences life can throw at us. We seek You in thought and prayer. We look to Your Word to find comfort and guidance to see us through the storm. Help us to reach out and ask for help when it is needed. And thank You for the blessings of those who serve others who are in need. We offer this prayer of thanksgiving in Jesus name, Amen.