A Rock Of Refuge

 

In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

Psalm 31:1-8

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prayed in 1956 that he knew he was taking a stand for which he believed was right. But he also admitted, in his prayer, that he was weak, he was faltering, and he was losing his courage. He admitted he was afraid. He knew he could not face it alone. Dr. King noted later that at that moment, he experienced the presence of the Divine as he had never experienced Him before. Dr. King was ready to face anything.

The rest is history. Dr. King wanted to see people of all colors free of the damage done by racism and prejudice.

If we face opposition when we are trying to do what is right, we might also cry out to the Lord. The Lord is our rock of refuge, and a fortress of defense.

When we trust the power of God,

we experience peace, not panic.

Our Daily BreadJanuary 21, 2008