I Take Refuge

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

I Take Refuge

Date: Apr. 5, 2021

Passage

Psalm 16:1-11 (ESV)

A Miktam of David.

1   Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2   I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”
3   As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight.
4   The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.
5   The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
6   The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7   I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
8   I have set the LORD always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9   Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
10   For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.
11   You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:1

A Miktam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

1. Keep me safe (1)

This psalm was written when David encountered a crisis in his life. He pleaded with God to keep him safe because he took refuge in God. Refuge means shelter or protection from danger. In the Old Testament, God established 'cities of refuge' to protect those who were accused of unintentional manslaughter. To David, the real refuge was not a city but God himself. People try to find security through insurance, a 'bunker', or things other than God. But God is the safest refuge who protects those who come to him. Jesus is our good shepherd who keeps us truly safe and secure.

2. I will keep my eyes always on the LORD (2-11)

The reason why God is our refuge is first, he has every good thing which we do not (2-4); second, he is our portion and delightful inheritance, giving us our portion in his eternal kingdom (5-6); third, he inspires us with his wisdom and counsels, and so we are not shaken (7-8). Therefore, David's heart and tongue rejoiced in spite of the crisis. He was confident that God would not abandon him to the grave but resurrected him and show the path of life with eternal joy. When we take refuge in Jesus, we will have his goodness, eternal inheritance, and his wisdom. Praise Jesus our refuge.

Prayer: Lord, I come and praise Jesus, my refuge.

One Word: Jesus my refuge

Israel Worshiped in Vain

Hosea 8:1-14

Key Verse: 8:1

Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind

8:1   Set the trumpet to your lips!
    One like a vulture is over the house of the LORD,
  because they have transgressed my covenant
    and rebelled against my law.

Today's Question

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