Refuge and Strength

 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

—Psalm 46:1

Over the several years this blog has existed, I’ve made it quite clear how much I enjoy the music of the “modern harmony” groups Take 6 and also the Heritage Singers. Both groups have recorded one of my more favorite pieces, written by Ralph Carmichael, contains these lyrics:

There is a quiet place, far from the rapid pace
Where God can soothe my troubled mind

Sheltered by tree and flower
There in my quiet hour with Him, my cares are left behind

Whether a garden small, or on a mountain tall
New strength and courage there I find

Then from this quiet place I go to prepare to face
A new day with love for all mankind

Whether a garden small, or on a mountain tall
New strength and courage there I find

Then from this quiet place I go to prepare to face
A new day with love for all mankind.

Everyone needs some place where he or she can find refuge from the storms of life. We need a place where we can quiet our minds and hearts from the “noise” around us in our bustling culture. We need to find somewhere that provides solace and silence—a place where our souls can drink deeply from a pool of rich refreshment.

The Psalmist well understood this need when he wrote these words recorded in Psalm 46:1:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Yes! In God we find such a quiet place. We can draw strength from God’s everlasting love and we can draw encouragement, peace, solace, and comfort from the refuge He provides.

Let us, this day and every day, seek time alone with God. When we come into His Presence, let’s speak lovingly to Him, call Him “Father,” and rest in the shadow of His protective and loving arms.

Here’s a version of this song by Take 6:

And, here’s another version of this song by Max Mace and the Heritage Singers:

 

_{Copyright © 2016 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}