Rejoice in Our Refuge

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your Name may be filled with joy. – (Psalm 5:11, NLT)

But let those who trust in You be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love Your Name. – (Psalm 5:11, ERV)

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe – their love for You resounding in their hearts. – (Psalm 5:11, VOICE)

 

David reminds us that when we chose to trust in God, He is our source of safety, strength and joy. As we recognize the Lord’s protection, His love for us becomes increasingly evident. When we know we are loved, we cannot help but be filled with joy. Just as there is great joy and security in knowing we are loved by another person, how much more does this hold true when the love and protection come from the Creator of all that is and was and ever will be? May we take refuge and rejoice in our Redeemer, as He alone is worthy of our praise as our Protector and Provider of joy.

 

Let us run to God, 

For safety and joy;

It is by His love,

His strength is employed.

He is our refuge,

Protection and peace;

He loves forever,

In Him, joy’s complete.

So trust in the Lord,

Rejoice in His Name;

He’s faithful always,

In Him, there’s great gain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all who take refuge in You have reason to rejoice, as You are our strength and protection. Thank You that Your love fills us with joy. Forgive us for not running to You when we are fearful or uncertain of what stands before us. Teach us to trust You in all things at all times, as You are our refuge and reason for joy. Show us how to love others in a way that strengthens, encourages and shares the joy that we’ve come to know in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we take refuge in You and rejoice in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19

Seeking to Gain

But godliness with contentment is great gain. – (1 Timothy 6:6)

 

The wholehearted pursuit of Christ, leads to a contentment that cannot be found anywhere else. No earthly treasures can compare to the peace that passes all understanding in our hearts and minds, when we allow the Lord to reign. Godliness, our state of ongoing spiritual growth and fulfillment through Him whom we give all honor and praise, grants us the greatest gain of all, as we discover all that God is doing in and through our lives. As we take our eyes off of earthly acquisitions, and focus rather on the things of God, contentment comes flooding in. May we seek the Lord with all that we are, and know the contentment that comes from a life gained through His grace.

 

Contentment is gained,

as we pursue Christ;

lay down earthly things,

see His sacrifice.

For the life we gain,

following the Lord;

a heart that is pure,

and grace to afford.

Nothing on the earth,

compares to His love;

let us pursue Christ,

and seek God above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that to seek You and know You is our greatest gain. Thank You that nothing in the world compares to You. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of You, and allowing our hearts to be distracted by things that do not honor You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will be content in all things and at all times, knowing that You are with us and in us; and that is so much more than enough. Lead us to love others well, so that they too may come to know contentment in a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You and honor You in all that we do, and are content in all circumstances. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78