Scripture: Psalm 18:1-6 (NRSV)
1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2  The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.
4  The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me;
5  the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
6  In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Reflections
What a wonderful God the Psalmist introduces us to by calling God, “my rock in whom I take refuge.” Often when someone shows emotional and spiritual strength through challenging times, it is said of them, “you are a rock!” Merriam-Webster defines “refuge” as “shelter or protection from danger or distress.” The Psalmist says that God is both: strong and a place of shelter from danger. Think about that.

Where do you need someone who is strong and a place that can offer you safety and security? Perhaps you need strength and refuge when you read headlines like, “’Horrific’: Corrections Officer, 25, shot dead in her car;” or “Gunman opens fire while ‘self-investigating’ false pizzagate conspiracy.” Perhaps it is when your marriage is troubled. Perhaps it is when a loved one dies. Perhaps it is when a long job search bears no fruit. Perhaps it is when a frightening medical diagnosis is received. Perhaps it is something else. Regardless of when or where or how the need for a refuge who is our rock comes, the need will come. When it does, the Psalmist offers both a poignant reminder and invitation.

The Psalmist reminds us that our Lord is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, and our refuge. Our Lord is always there even in moments when he feels distant. In our weakest moments we have a strong God to hold and carry us. When we are frightened and insecure, we have a refuge in God’s safe and inviting arms. Once we know and trust God in this way we are invited to share that strength and refuge in a world that yearns for this as much as we do. We can offer a word of hope amid someone’s despair. We can provide a meal to someone who is hungry. Perhaps we can silently embrace someone who is frightened or sad or grieving. Or perhaps God will provide any number of other ways to respond to the invitation to allow the world to come to know the same strong God of refuge that we know.

As we continue our Advent journey, confidently remind yourself of the Psalmist’s awesome words: “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Look around you to those who need the same strength and place of refuge in their worlds – and offer it to them. Let’s commit to renewing our trust in God’s strength and care. Let’s also commit anew to being God’s feet and hands and voice in a world that is seeking a shield and a safe place from life’s worries and fears. Let’s pray daily: “I love you, O LORD, my strength.”

Meditation
• Where and when do I most need to remind myself that God is my rock and my refuge?
• Who needs my presence to demonstrate that God is their rock and refuge, too?

Prayer
Strong and protecting God, I thank and praise you that when I am weak and afraid you remain my strong place of refuge. Use me as your instrument in the world to show others that you are their strength and refuge, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.