Daily Huddle - Tue Apr 23, 2019 Every Refuge Will...

Love you all, praying for you. 
 
God’s timing is perfect.  His plans for you today are perfectly timed.  If you will listen - He will confirm what He told you to do and when.  So that what He has for you next, can be fully deployed.  Praying that you will seek Him for His will and His timing all day today.
 
God showing me…  Psalm 71:1  In you O LORD I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.    Everyone takes refuge in something.  When life gets hard, and it always does… Refuge:  Shelter or protection from danger or stress.  Refuge:  what you escape with, what you go back to, what you trust to pull you through. 
 
Some people take refuge in work ethic.  They double down – work harder 14, 15, 16 hour days.  Some people take refuge in exercise, workouts – a more socially acceptable high…  Some people take refuge in the self-help religion – the latest book on success.  Some people take refuge in movies, books, video games – their escape into another world. Some people take refuge in drugs, alcohol, weed, porn, tinder, affairs, or promiscuity - as if those could ever satisfy...  Some people take refuge in music – which represents the passions and desires of human nature.  Some people take refuge in golf, running, rec leagues – the weekend warriors.  Some people take refuge in activism (political, animal, environmental) convinced this will make the world a better place. 
 
“In you, O LORD I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.”  David reveals a truth in this verse.  Every refuge other than the LORD will either inherently bring shame, or has risk of shame.  (Misdirected – it will bring shame.)   Any refuge that God forbids, or any refuge that doesn’t produce growth toward God’s person or His presence will ultimately end with shame.  But if God is your refuge – what you escape with, what you always go back to, what you trust to get you through, He will never shame you, He will only elevate you.   Innocuous activities can certainly be used by God if directed by His purpose.  But if they become a refuge, the opportunity cost becomes too great.  Activities which steward mind and body are purposeful in their God-directed time and dosage.  Undirected by Him, they can become a refuge which cannot satisfy. 
 
So, how do you take refuge in God?  How do you make Him your refuge above anything else?  Get to His Presence (Worship and Praise, Word, Pray In The Spirit).   How often do you go there during the day?  What consumes your down tie, your discretionary hours?  That will tell you… your refuge.   I had a boss once, who in the middle of the day, would go into the restroom, close herself in a stall and seek His presence, His comfort, His answers.  Before an important meeting or presentation she would take refuge in Him.   All refuge ends in glory or shame – first to God, then to you.  Praying that you will run to Him.  Right now and throughout the day – taking refuge in Him.  In His Presence, PRISM, and Praise, declaring His ability and your obedience; trusting Him first – and most. 
 
Praying for you that those activities which can be useful, will be done not as a refuge, but at His direction, in His timing and duration alone.  Praying that God will lead you in a refuge check.  That what could be good would never replace time with Him that always produces good and leads you in His Good for you. 
 
Love you all,
dad