Who do you turn to in moments of deep distress? Some seek the counsel and comfort of family—a spouse, parents, siblings; and some call on close friends. We appreciate the words of advice, but mostly the comforting presence of those who know us. It’s reassuring to know that we don’t have to go it alone.
Jesus sought out His friends in a time of deep distress. The night before He was crucified, He revealed His anguish to three close friends, saying, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” And He asked them for their company and prayer support: “Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
Loving family and friends can help take the edge off of an unbearable situation. So it’s important that we build strong relationships during the smooth-sailing days of life, preparing for the times when the storms of life will come with their cold, howling winds.
Jesus understands our need for human companionship. He didn’t stop at seeking His friends’ support, however. Ultimately, Jesus turned to His heavenly Father. In complete honesty, He laid out His request to God (Matthew 26:39); and in total submission, He asked that His Father’s will be done (Matthew 26:42).
Christian poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote: “ ‘His will be done,’ we say with sighs and trembling, expecting trial, bitter loss and tears. And then how doth He answer us? With blessings, and sweet rebuking of our faithless fears. God’s will is peace and plenty and the power to be, and have the best that He can give: A mind to serve Him, a heart to love, and faith to die, and the strength to live. It means for us all good, all grace, all glory.”
Our heavenly Father is our loving, faithful, true refuge.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 9:20-31
More:
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 to see some advantages of companionship; and read Psalm 62:5-8 for more words about God being our refuge.
Next:
How can you build stronger relationships with others? What does it mean for God to be your true refuge?
Gary Shultz on October 21, 2016 at 6:22 am
Reading the Ecclesiastes section, my wife’s grandfather had a saying about togetherness, he said, “Two heads are better than one even if the are cabbage”. We do seek the comfort from friends and family in times of trial. I am thankful they have often failed, bad advice has been given, and the need still hurt. It pushed me totally to the only One who would not only hear and understand, but start the process of the path I really needed. Yes, I have friends and good ones at that, but none compare to the care God has given. As Jesus knew and we may experience finding refuge in others can be a blessing and a curse. I will not discount what God can do through others, but no one is like my Father, He is faithful, He will not fail, and He knows exactly what to do. Thanks Poh.
minkjh on October 21, 2016 at 9:13 am
Amen and Amen, Gary! You have me singing ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’. Through all our sins and griefs, trials and temptations, pain and sorrow, only Jesus is our refuge and solace. Take it all to Him in prayer and find the Friend who is always faithful.
envirotact on October 21, 2016 at 9:38 am
I love what Charles Spurgeon says in his book “Morning and Evening” – on the evening of October 10 – “All our dependence upon companions and relatives is useless. They are broken reeds if we lean upon them – often unwilling to help when able, and unable when they are willing.”
sandy229 on October 21, 2016 at 10:27 am
Amen & Amen Gary! Psalm 62:7 God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Poh Fang Chia on October 22, 2016 at 10:28 am
Indeed, Jesus is our best Friend and Comforter. So thankful that He walks with us—all the time and for all the time.
youssef1777 on October 21, 2016 at 9:16 am
PRAYING IS HOW WE TO REACH GOD . TALK TO HIM ABOUT WHAT IN OUR HART . THAT GIVE PEACE,HOPE AND COMFORT TO OUR SOULS .
Poh Fang Chia on October 22, 2016 at 10:29 am
Isn’t it wonderful that God has made Himself so accessible to us? And that when we called, we assured that He is listening? Thank you, yousseff for this wonderful reminder.
youssef1777 on October 21, 2016 at 9:28 am
THE REFUGE YOU WILL FIND IN GOD . THAT WILL PROTECT YOU AND GIVE YOU COMFORT IN YOUR HEART .
sim jing ying on October 21, 2016 at 11:37 am
I can built strong relationship with others by putting my shyness at one side and be myself to approach them. God bring my true refuge is a place where I’m confident to be with Him anytime and anywhere.
sim jing ying on October 21, 2016 at 11:37 am
being*
Poh Fang Chia on October 22, 2016 at 10:32 am
What you share resonated with me. I am extremely shy and introverted. And I thank God for reaching out to me and helping me to build strong relationship with Him and with others.
sandy229 on October 21, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Darlene Joyce Zschech ( /dɑrˈliːn ˈtʃɛk/; born Steinhardt on 8 September 1965 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) is an Australian Pentecostal Christian worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
You’re my comfort
(My comfort)
And my shelter
(My shelter)
You’re my tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You
Oh shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You
Poh Fang Chia on October 22, 2016 at 10:33 am
Thank you, Sandy, for sharing this beautiful song. : )
jef on October 21, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Reads like a scene from the cross and the switchblade where hurting people hurt people… Life is tough enough as it is. It is even tougher when we’re heading in the wrong direction.