“Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
I’m writing this on a Friday morning, I am completely exhausted. Life has revved up to almost full tilt for me. As a tennis teacher, I get a little break in the winter, only teaching one night a week. As soon as spring rolls round, it begins to ramp up with classes and lessons daily. It’s a hard conversion for me to make. I get used to having the extra nights at home with my husband, extra time to spend with friends, then all of a sudden it’s gone. I find myself starting early in the morning and finishing late at night. Constantly going from one thing to the next. I wear myself out.
Have you ever felt that way? This morning in my journal I wrote, “Schwoo Lord, these bones are tired.” I’m taking refuge in Him. I’m finding my strength in Him. He is the one who will help me find the strength to fulfill all my commitments, to keep my appointments, to teach my lessons. I know this because I have tasted it before, I know the Lord is good. In Him I am blessed when I take refuge.
What does taking refuge look like? In the original Hebrew, refuge in this context is used literally to mean seeking a tree’s shade.
In Tidal, where I grew up, there was a tree that sat all by itself in the corner of our lot. It was on the edge of a bank that led down to the road. From under its branches on the hill where it lives you could see our entire village below. I used to love to sit under it and feel its shade. The little girl I was then would dream about my future life, all from the shade of that tree. It was comfort to me. It was a refuge from the world around me.
That is what it feels like today as I sit under the shade tree of God. I feel His presence restoring me, energizing me. As I think of each of you and the battles you’re facing, ones I know nothing about, I pray fervently you find it too. I pray, you taste and see that the Lord is good. Whatever you’re facing, whatever struggle you have, lay it at His feet. Then find that cool breeze of blessing as you lay your head back against the tree of life, God himself and take refuge. Let Him fill your heads with dreams of days to come. Days with blue skies and puffy white clouds. Days filled with the warmth of the Son (and yes, I mean Jesus). In Him, find refuge.
