I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in Him will I trust.  Psalms 91:2

I love the words refuge and fortress.  They communicate strength, protection, security.  We seem to fight a relentless search from the catastrophies of life.

Across all of history people have sought refuge in various ways.  Some have searched for it in education.  Others have sought refuge in science.  Still others have sought refuge in money.

There is no refuge in such things.  These flimsy fortresses are easily penetrated by disease…accident…war…depression.  And,  if not by these, then by time. Time carves its lines upon the face, dims the eyes and makes the hands tremble.

Only in God can refuge be found. And only in God is there any real fortress.

I love the words of this old hymn.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,  Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.  What more can he say than to you He has said, You  who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed; I, I am they God, and will still give the aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

As you look into another new year, make sure that  ”In Him will I Trust.”

Lord, we need you so much.  The years go by and we often truly trust in so many other things.  Thank you for being our fortress and our ever present  help in time of trouble.  As we end this year and look into yet another new year, please help us to count on this blessing and to finally learn how to really live in peace through placing all our trust in you alone.  Amen