Nougat 26

As you read the questions following today’s Holy Nougat, please reflect, discern *your response*, then read my responses.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What do you understand as refuge?

For me, a refuge is a place of comfort, safety, support or shelter in unfamiliar territory or unfavorable circumstances. Though a refuge might be a physical location and my brain thinks of displacement camps and migratory meccas, a refuge can be a state of mind. For some people, that place in their minds is by far safer than their reality and so, that becomes their constant retreat. (Perhaps rather than only diagnose persons as mentally ill, we ought to first discern the trigger).

When and Why do you need a refuge?

The when varies, but includes times when I am distressed, disturbed or mostly when I have been burning the candle at both ends, failing to practice self care. I need a refuge to recharge, a safe space to lick my wounds privately before facing things that disturbed my equanimity.

Where is YOUR refuge?

It’s not a ‘where’, it’s a Who. I confess, my first refuge used to be books, but I am learning more and more about the established refuge in Jesus Christ. Don’t take my word for it – try Him for yourself.

How do you make God (Jesus) your refuge?

Word, Awareness (Application), and Prayer. It began with an awareness of biblical cities of refuge. The thought of God insisting on the creation of six places where persons could find asylum assured me that God has an escape center for me too (Numbers 35:6-7). I hadn’t fully understood the fact when I also received Jesus’ offer for rest (see Matthew 11:28-30). I am truly learning to take Jesus up on that offer. It involves me inviting Jesus to take over and allowing Him to do so.

Do you need to take Jesus up on His offer?

Yes, I do. Otherwise I will implicate myself and disappoint God with my actions. Remember a refuge is also asylum, so it is also a space of grace, forgiveness, and healing. Repeat visits are good for our mental and spiritual healing.

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May all we seek be found in Christ