Psalm 103:13-14, New International Version

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”

God is our refuge and strength. When this broken world causes pain in our lives, He is our confidant, our Father, the One who loves us perfectly, and who can help us in our time of need. His faithfulness endures forever, and He is slow to anger and patient with us when we need patience. We can come to Him as we are, individuals affected by sin in one way, shape, or form.  

Sometimes circumstances in life can be challenging to navigate. We spend time trying to process things in the right way and yet somehow need more time, more understanding, more grace. Maybe at times we feel that we are getting it all wrong and we become hard on ourselves. But the truth is, if we are laying it before God, seeking His help and how to navigate through the situation at hand, we aren’t doing it wrong. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14, NIV) I want to encourage us to continue to seek Him, not to  stop, even when it gets hard. His compassion for you will not end and it will not fail. He will be faithful to help you through, it just may take some time, His time.

A scripture I have been reading often lately comes from Psalm 46, NIV. It says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Verses 1-3)  I have been meditating on this scripture and asking myself, “Do I believe that the Lord is my refuge and strength? And if I do believe this, then do I believe Him when He tells me I don’t have to be afraid?”

Yes, I do believe He is my refuge and strength. I do believe Him when He tells me not to be afraid. He is the only one who knows me fully, loves me fully, is there for me completely without any strings attached. The question is, do you believe He is your refuge and strength? Do you believe Him when He tells you not to be afraid? Do you believe He is going to help you to the other side of whatever challenge life may be presenting to you? If not, what is stopping you?

This world and the people in it can disappoint you at times, but the Word of the Lord will last forever. It is health for the body. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) Don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to God just as you are. He sees you just as you are. He already knows everything about you and what you are going through. Open your heart to Him and let Him in. Your heart is safe with the One who created you. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars and calls them all by name. Great is our LORD and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:3-6, NIV)