My Steps Have Held Fast

 To Your Paths

 

 

Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.

 

If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress. As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

 

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love. O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

 

Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings; from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.

 

Psalm 17:1-9

 

It has been a year since Hurricane Katrina and it is interesting to listen to how the people, who went through that, describe themselves. Were they refugees or evacuees? Many decided they were evacuees. However, the word refuge is filled with hope, safety, protection, and care for the hurting. It speaks of a safe haven in a storm-filled world. For those battered by the storms, tragedies, and disasters of life, refuge is what they long for most. They may seek shelter in the arms of God, who alone can give us refuge and who longs to cover us and protect us and preserve us. To this day, Jesus continues to offer refuge to the hurting hearts of our day if we will but seek His care and trust His heart.

 

We need not fear life’s dark shadows

when we rest under the shadow of God’s wings.

 

Our Daily BreadAugust 29, 2006