Where is your refuge?
Introduction
We worked in Japan for 8 years
How much do you know of Japan?
Many natural disasters
Example of earthquake
Example of typhoon
Example of another earthquake
Example of [false] alert of a missile strike from North Korea
You may not have faced these challenges
A global pandemic
Worries about daily life – finances, health concerns, family problems, job security
Where do we turn for refuge during these trials?
Take refuge in God – 5 reasons
He is Listening
v1-2
David feels far from God – maybe physically and spiritually
Have you felt that God is far away?
God is listening – v5
During the power cut after the earthquake – we saw all the stars we would not normally see
The mind boggles at the vastness of the universe
Yet the God who made all this – is listening to me and you
People in Japan clap to wake up their ‘gods’ in the vain hope that someone is listening
He is Strong
v2-3
Do we seek refuge in other people who are weak?
God is not weak but strong!
Example of tsunami monument
The warning was not heeded
The tsunami of 11th March 2011 overwhelmed the defences
Example of friends during this tsunami
God is a strong tower and fortress!
He is Gentle
He is not hard, cold and unfeeling due to His strength
v4
David wants to live in the same place as God
An intimate/close situation
Example of chicks under the mothers wings
An intimate/close situation
He is Generous
v5
David was given a heritage
God is generous
God promised the land to the Israelites
This is a foreshadow of the promised land we have in the new heaven and the new earth
Matt 7:11 , James
Rom 8 – The ultimate gift is Jesus Christ
God generously gives us His Son
He is in Control
v6
David is not saying that he will not die but that his throne shall be established forever
2 Sam 7:16
Isaiah, Luke 1
Jesus us the King who will reign forever
Quote from Abraham Caipher
All the universe is His
Quote from Matthew
What does this mean – how do you take refuge in God?
Complete the sentence:
I feel safe and secure when…
It will all be okay so long as…
I can relax if and when…
What is our first port of call / where do we turn in anxious moments?
Example of worldly securities
What are we trusting in?
Do we pray to God?
Take refuge in God
We can take refuge in God because of Jesus
Explanation
We have such a wonderful refuge in God – why would we turn to anything else?
Take refuge in God
You will never find a better refuge
Trust in Jesus Christ and go to God
He will not let you down
Take refuge in God
Our response – v8 – obedience and praise