Take Refuge in God

Jesus Calls Us Called from the Margins of Society Jesus Overpowers Legion Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)   Psalm 34:1-15The Message 34 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. 2 I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: 3 Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. 4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. 5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. 8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—     how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. 9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. 10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. 11 Come, children, listen closely; I’ll give you a lesson in God worship. 12 Who out there has a lust for life? Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty? 13 Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth. 14 Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don’t let it get away! 15 God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan. For Reflection "Verse 8 ends with the words, “Happy are those who take refuge in him.” The word translated here as “take refuge” means “to hide oneself.” This writer pictures a small child wrapped up in its parent’s arms–protected, warm, loved. The result? Happiness. The word “happy” occurs some twenty-five times in the Psalter (see 1:1; 2:12; 41:1; 65:4; 112:1, etc.). Some translations render the word as “blessed,” others as “happy.” Another option for translation is “content.” Taking refuge in God–being protected, warm, and loved–can result in a deep, inner sense of contentment, a feeling in the very depth of your being that all is well. Content, indeed, are those who allow themselves to be wrapped up in the arms of God." Nancy deClaissé-Walford, Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University Atlanta, GA ttps://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-19-2/commentary-on-psalm-341-8-2  Pray Praise God with words of thanksgiving. Pray and know that you are wrapped up in the arms of God. Forward to a friend Sign up for our mailing list!