December 11
Scripture: Psa 5:11
Source author: Jossy Grey
December 11
Being a Refuge But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. —Psalm 5:11
Maria definitely didn’t approve of everything her daughter did. Seventeen-year-old Lucy was living with an abusive boyfriend. “I’d like to beat him up myself, but that wouldn’t help any,” Maria commented crisply. Maria encouraged Lucy to come to the house frequently. And when Lucy did, Maria made sure she didn’t scold Lucy about her lifestyle. “The rest of the world beats her up emotionally,” Maria said. “I want home to be the place of refuge, where she can always feel love and acceptance.” As a result, Lucy spent a lot of time at home. And one day when the boyfriend abused her, she thought, I’m treated way better than this at home and returned to live with her parents. While not everyone is enmeshed in an abusive situation, far too many people we encounter are dealing with tough stuff— sometimes it’s because of bad choices, and sometimes it’s just life.
Our human inclination is often to scold, blame, preach, and put in our two cents’ worth. But sometimes all others need is a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, a place of acceptance—a refuge where they can find peace, love, and God’s grace in the middle of a crazy world.
We can be a refuge for others, just as God is for us. — Jossy Grey —