Refuge

The Lord is good; a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.  – Nahum 1:7

It is disturbing to watch people running away from danger with no place to go. Yet, this is a reality in the lives of millions these days. They are looking for somewhere to escape but they do not know where or how.

In ancient times the reluctant prophet Jonah preached in Nineveh, a city of defiant and rebellious people, about repenting to God. Surprisingly the people humbled themselves, turning their hearts to honor the God of Creation and receiving His mercy and blessing. However, a hundred years later the same city was again given a reminder to honor God but this time refused. His blessing left them at that time and they were soon forcefully overtaken and enslaved.  

God does not stop loving His people when they are in a desperate situation, maybe even one of their own making. Those who run to Him can rely on the refuge of His care regardless of their circumstances or geography. “Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. I had said in my alarm, I am cut off from your sight. But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help” (Psalm 31: 21-22).  

Ask God to give wisdom to decision-makers in America providing aid for displaced people in nations of conflict. Pray those coming to the nation will discover the hand of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ as a result of looking to America for refuge.