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Jesus, Our Refuge

Scripture: Psalms 142-143, Mark 2.

Gospel summary: We have a refuge in this barren, sin-cursed world in Jesus. Jesus proved he was none other than Yahweh, the great I Am, in his power to heal sickness and forgive all our sins, so he is the great Refuge for sinners in a world that proves dangerous for believers.

Prayer: Father in heaven, this world is a hard place to be your child. Enemies abound, persecutions increase, the devil prowls, the world allures, and my old sin nature calls at every turn. I have literally no escape and no refuge in this world, but you are a refuge for my weary soul. Thank you for Jesus, who has proven to be my soul's anchor and refuge. Thank you that I can find strength to endure, grace to empower, and truth to enrich my soul in the precious gospel of Christ. Thank you that Jesus secured an everlasting refuge for my soul in his death and resurrection, and thank you that I can enjoy this peace both now and into eternity. Help me to never grow comfortable in this world, but to always be faithful to flee to Christ and escape the storms of life.

Key verses: "no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." (Psalm 142:4b-5)

Hymn: "How Firm A Foundation" by John Rippon

How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
"Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
"When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.
"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
"The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no never forsake!"

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