Seeking Refuge In God
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Grace Chew, Small Group Ministry, Z13 AZL)
READ:
Psalm 55:6 “I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.’”
Psalm 55:16 “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.”
John 3:21 “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
OBSERVE:
David described his troubles and the intense feelings that overwhelmed him. If he could, David would escape somewhere far away and seek shelter (Psalm 55:6). Thankfully, David chose to cast his burdens on the Lord and trusted God to deliver him from his enemies (Psalm 55:16).
APPLY:
Fight or flight is a well-known stress response, and fleeing is my modus operandi. I have my favorite hide-out locations and activities. Often, after a stressful day or episode, a hot and long shower provides respite. Netflix, Viu, iQiyi, Instagram, come second, as immersing myself in the world of dramas allows my mind to zone out from reality. Reading Psalm 55:16 is a great reminder that while stepping away from stressful situations sets healthy boundaries in our lives, hiding out in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1) never fails to protect and restore. On several occasions, whilst hiding out with God, and talking to Him about my concerns, God not only comforted me but also shed light on the source of my angst. He revealed that some of my stress triggers were related to the need to impress others or uphold my personal brand identity at work. The cause of my stress was self-serving and not endeavouring to please Him (John 3:21). Hiding out with God reveals the secret things of my heart, allowing restoration.
DO:
I will endeavor to bring all stressful situations to God first, seeking His counsel and comfort. I will continue to set healthy boundaries and habits to manage daily stress, such as doing a short meditation before coming home from work, and taking a hot shower to refresh myself before starting my motherly duties.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for speaking to me through these verses. I pray that You continue to reveal Yourself to me and my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray for your peace and restoration upon our souls and circumstances. I ask all these in Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
