God is Our Refuge: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Are you in need of a refuge? Are you facing issues that seem overwhelming? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary refuge means “shelter or protection from danger or distress.” God is our refuge when life throws distress in our lives. David, who wrote Psalms, understood distress and trouble as he was constantly running away from Saul who was trying to kill him. He knew fear, but did not give in to it. He trusted in God to lead him and believed the promise that he would be king one day. He trusted in God.

God is also there for you. He is only a prayer away and will be a refuge in your storm. There have been many times in my life when I needed God to be my refuge. I prayed for him to surround me with his love and give me peace when I felt extremely stressed. Every time I prayed for him to fill me with peace, it always happened. It felt like my worries were lifted from my shoulders, and peace just filled my soul. It is so very true, my friend, that God can surely give you the refuge you need when you have let life’s worries burden you so much that you just want to give up. He loves you and wants you to go to him in prayer and believe that he can bring you the peace you so dearly want. Trust him with your problems and believe that he is able to help you. God truly is your refuge.

Dear Lord,

I know that you are my refuge and that you will help me to have peace in the midst of my troubles. I trust you with my life and all the needs I have. I know you will never leave me or forsake me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Make a Difference, a devotion by Ann Broughton

Jesus said: “This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:17 NIV)

I would like to urge you to make a difference in someone’s life every day. Jesus commanded us to love one another. I would urge you to say the prayer that is found in the book, Detox for the Overly Religious by David Putman, “Jesus, show me your way and I will follow.” If you are sincere, then God will guide you to people who need encouragement and love. If a name comes to your mind, then call that person. Once when I was driving somewhere a name kept coming into my mind. I called that person and she asked how I knew that she needed someone to talk to. God works in mysterious ways and we must be open to ways He urges us to help others. When I go to the store I look for ways I can help others or compliment them. One girl said that I had made her day. You can make someone’s day too just by being aware of those around you and helping them in some way.

As Christians, we must show others love, just as Jesus said we must do. We must display to others the fruits of the spirit also: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” (Galatians 5:22). If everyone did this, then our world would be a better place.

One person can make a difference. I saw on TV that a child told his mom that he wanted to help the homeless so he asked people to donate items for a bag to give the homeless. His idea took off and many people helped him to help others. If a child can do this so can you.

Make it a point this week to help someone every day. Ask God to show you someone you can help, and then act on it. Remember everyone has a need of some sort. You need to be the one to make a good difference in someone’s life.

Dear Lord,

Help me as I go through my day to be aware of those who need a helping hand or an encouraging word. Help me to truly love others as you commanded. Help me never to dismiss an urging to call someone when a name comes to my mind. Help me to always strive to do your will and to display the fruits of the spirit to others.

In Jesus name,

Amen