In Thee I have Taken Refuge: Psalm 31:1

The Psalms are beautiful poetic treasures that I love to read. How awesome it would be to hear them sung in Hebrew by the people of God in that generation of long ago. 

Although they are exquisite literary gems, I am reminded that like the rest of God's Word they must be applied practically if they are to be of any benefit. If I simply read them, admire them, and claim one as my favorites, I am no better off. I must meditate upon them and ask my self the hard questions.

"In Thee I have taken refuge" David writes as he begins Psalm 31. Here is David being chased and hunted down by an angry King Saul. David is not just being super spiritual and speaking " churchy" "spiritual" language. He knows that his God of the mountain is also the God of the valley. Its not just some religious idea to Him. He personally knows that his God is his refuge. His safety and hiding place.

Do I take refuge in God from the troubles of life? Or do I seek to solve all my issues in my own strength, on my timetable, according to my logic? Is it really in God where I put my confidence and trust to deliver me from the current crisis?  Am I fleeing to Him for protection, provision and peace? 

My response to the trouble will answer that question. If I say " yes"  but am still wrestling with anxious thoughts, working hard to find the  remedy, and finding only frustration I'm not taking refuge in God. If my words say one thing but my reality is feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by it all, I can be pretty sure that I am NOT taking refuge in the Lord. Very often I'm trusting human logic and or listening to the voice of the enemy of my soul.

Verse 5 was quoted by Jesus on the cross " Into Thy hand I commit my sprit; Though hast ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth."  To mouth the words is one thing but to mean them is an entirely different level.

Jesus knew that He was fully surrendered to do the Father's will. He was not kicking and screaming as He went to the cross nor while He hung on the cross. In fact He was still ministering while upon the cross. " Father forgive them for they know not what they do"  He uttered forth in the midst of great pain.(Luke 23:34 ) Even in excruciating circumstances, He made sure that His mother Mary would be taken care of by John as well. ( John 19:26) 

Stephen while being stoned to death is not panicking and having a meltdown. He knew his God was His refuge and nothing that man could do to him could ever take that away. He left this earth with eyes turned to the heavens, anticipating that heavenly home where he would see the Risen Lord face to face.  In fact, he too makes reference to this psalm in his last words on this earth," Lord Jesus receive my spirit" (Acts 7: 59) 

You and I may not be on a cross of crucifixion ( Praise God! ) or be on the ground being stoned to death ( Praise God!) but can we honestly say, in this same attitude,  "Into Thy hand " I commit my entire being ?  every fiber of my being? It is only in You Lord I take refuge. And what a wonderful refuge we find when we seek that protection in Him and in Him alone.