DEVOTION – DAY 581

Psalm 34:8 “God Is Our Refuge”

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

The psalmist begins by telling us that the Lord is good. Because of God’s goodness, those that are His children can count on His protection. But Psalm 34:8-14 goes on to remind Christians that they must also “stay away from evil and do good; trust and obey the Lord (vv8-14) and to fear the Lord.” Many people may want God’s blessings but many people do not want to obey and follow Him. But this verse reminds us that God is good. He is the source of all good things and blessings. He is our refuge. But to enjoy His goodness, blessings and protection, we must submit to Him. We must follow and obey Him. 

As we start a new year, we do not know what lies ahead of us. Many people want God’s blessings and protection because the year ahead may be full of challenges and problems. In order to enjoy God’s blessings and protection, we must therefore heed Psalm 34:8-14. When we make plans, we stay away from evil. The plans we make in 2026 must be to do good. Because God is good, as His followers, we must make plans to do good, in our household, in our family, at work, in church and in our community. We must seek and obey God each day if we want His blessings and protection. It may not mean that God will remove the challenges and problems that lie ahead of us in 2026, but because God is good and He is our refuge, He will give us His peace and strength to face all the challenges and problems in 2026. 

We know someone who was in hospital for a bad viral infection. She trusted in the Lord and the Lord was her refuge. Even though she had to undergo treatment, she knew the Lord was with her. She had family members around to care for her. Her church members were praying for her. She felt His peace. This is what happens when we trust in God because He is good, and He is our refuge when we face challenges.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you as our eternal, holy, Almighty and good God. Thank you for the promise that you are our refuge and source of blessings. Please help us to always seek you, obey you, stay away from evil and do good all the days of our lives for your glory. We pray in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What are some of your fears and concerns in the year ahead of you? 
  2. How will you trust and walk closely with the Lord as you face these fears and concerns?
  3. How do you plan to do good in the year ahead of you, in your family, in your workplace, in your church and amongst your friends and contacts?
  4. Share how God had been your refuge last year.