All kinds of things seem to happen, at the same time, as if, someone is conspiring against us, when things are going wrong in our lives. Storms don’t seem to come alone. They come with their entourage, and the whole paraphernalia. Such is the season of testing and trials. One upon the other, they come falling upon us. This is to test us, and to sift us, through and through. Not a great situation to be in.
Joseph M. Scriven, in the last stanza of the beautiful hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has some wise words of advise for us, just for such a situation…
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
When facing problems and troubles, one always looks for solace and refuge. SOLACE is needed for comfort, encouragement and strength. REFUGE is out need and requirement, to be sheltered from the storm, and all its ill effects. To whom we run to, in times of our need, is an indicator of whom we trust, and on whom we place our confidence.
Joseph M. Scriven urges us to take it to the LORD in prayer. What a simple solution, to a complex problem. Let us learn to run to the LORD, who is our refuge and our solace. He alone can, and will help us. He alone loves us, and truly cares for us. May we always seek the LORD, and take to Him, all our requests.
“7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” – Psalms 62:7-8
"Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counsellor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security."