REFUGE V: VIEWING GOD IN ACTION

"Come and see what the Lord has done."
David -- Psalm 46: 7

     David enjoyed God's refuge because He genuinely paid attention to what God was doing as he faced the obstacles of his life:  He fought and won some hard fought battles.  He even literally took on his own giant in the form of Goliath.  He defeated him as well.   He paid attention to what the Lord had done in his life, and it built his faith. You may or may not remember how that, while much stronger men were shaking in their sandals, David told everyone he could defeat the huge Philistine. But this small man had to convince the King named Saul -- who by the way stood head and shoulders over David -- that he was up for the task.  In doing so, David told Saul about how he had taken on wild animals to protect his sheep.  He informed Saul that just as God had delivered these beast of prey into his hands, that God would do the same for him in his battle against the giant.  He could do this because he could see or remember "what the Lord has done."

     As a person of faith, David did not focus on what he did not have.  He did not focus on his liabilities.  He did not give the slightest thought that he was small of stature and of "ruddy complection."  He did try to invite his people to think about all the miracles of the Israeli history.  As a warrior, David years later reminded us of how he viewed God, and how it gave him strength and peace.  David could see in his mind's eye all the things he had envisioned God had done.  He reflected on the God who broke bows, shattered spears and burned the shield of his enemies.  He remembered how that, against all odds, he overcame all odds.

     Let me invite you to "Come and see what the Lord has done" for you.  When life overwhelms you, take on your giants.  Write up a gratitude list for the things you have and for the ways of God has helped you.  Think of those times when you were weak, but God gave you the strength to carry on.  Count your blessings and name them one by one.  Yes, count those blessings in order to build your faith to see what God has done. Be intentional as you turn from focusing on what to don't have, and look around to see God in action.  On purpose train you eyes to pay attention. God IS in action. He will be your refuge.

SoJourner