DEVOTION – DAY 497

Psalm 118:8 “God Is Our Refuge”

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”

Psalm 118 is often referred to as a psalm of praise and thanksgiving for God’s deliverance of His people from their enemies. This psalm had been used as a song of thanksgiving offered by the throne of King David following success against a union of Israel many enemy nations. These nations may have joined forces against Israel, but Israel had successfully defended itself against its enemies with God’s help. The psalmist reminds his people that it is better to seek refuge in the Lord rather than trust in humans. In the past, Israel had sought an alliance with Egyptians thinking that with Egypt’s backing they would be able to deter their enemies from attacking them. Such alliances failed. But God never failed the nation of Israel. The psalmist therefore reminds the people to seek refuge from the Lord and not trust in humans.

A woman was disappointed with her husband. The excitement had gone out of her marriage. Her respect for her husband had turned to contempt because his career had taken a fall and she ended up earning more than him. Instead of turning to the Lord and His Word to restore the strained relationship with her husband, she sought solace from her friends and a few close colleagues. Instead of helping her mend her relationships with her husband, they encouraged her to start planning to look after herself, in case their marriage failed. In the end, this woman’s marriage failed, and the couple divorced. This woman had failed to seek God as her refuge. Her refuge were her friends and people she trusted. They used worldly advice that led her on a path of separation and not reconciliation.

A man’s wife was diagnosed with blockages in her arteries. She was advised to seek expensive medical procedures to address the blockages. They sought the Lord in prayer for His direction, and for guidance. Eventually, they were led to seek a second opinion. It resulted in less invasive procedures, and less cost overall. They were thankful that the Lord directed them to seek the right treatment. They had learnt to seek refuge in the Lord, rather than seek refuge from humans.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are our Shield, Defender, our Refuge and Strength. Please help us to seek our refuge in you, and not from others. We humbly pray in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. When you face a problem, whom do you seek advice and help from in the first place? Do you turn to God or do you turn to other people? 
  2. Why is it better to seek God’s help over others? Share.
  3. How has people disappointed you with their help, or lack of help, in the past? Share. 
  4. How has God come to your assistance in the past? Share.