Our Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.  Psalm 46:1-7 NASB

One of THE GREATEST privileges we can claim by enduring a life lived for Jesus Christ, is that when the inevitable turmoil happens - run TO God, not FROM God. Our our praise, worship, faith are not just responses when good things happen or when we feel like we are in a great place right but in the middle of a mess as well. 

When we feel distant, when we feel disappointed, when we’ve  messed up and when we don’t understand what’s going on.

Jesus Christ is our refuge. 

When we have learned to run to Him with gratitude, honor, trust in these moments, we will grow closer to Jesus than ever before!

Psalms 103:1-5 NIV  Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

PRAISE is something we are super passionate about at Gospel Garage! because we know it’s not just what God deserves, but it’s also powerful time spent with Holy Spirit, God’s glory fills the space, He changes us heals us encourages us  

The Bible uses so many different words in reference to praise, like: 

Glorify (Psalm 147:12), 

Sing (Psalm 30:12), 

Speak (Psalm 34:1), 

Shout (Psalm 47:1), 

Clap your hands (Psalm 47:1), 

Dance (Psalm 150:4), 

Play music (Psalm 150), 

Boast about (Psalm 34:2), 

Give thanks (Psalm 107:1), 

Declare (Philippians 2:11), 

Have joy (Psalm 98:4), and so many more!

Let’s agree to read the Bible daily this week as often as there are moments! And look up these aforementioned verses Holy Spirit shared!  

Living as a Christ follower is not about having a perfect life. You and I don’t grow because we always get things right, but because we let Him into every part of our lives 

It really doesn’t matter if the week is over scheduled we must give our time to God -  and whether you are sailing through a pretty easy season or struggling through some deep mud hold onto Jesus Christ. Know that He is fighting for His people, standing over us, and working for our eternity in ways that we cannot see……  consider what it means to be kingdom people of the Lord Most High, to share citizenship in the kingdom of God with the angel armies, heavenly hosts.  Our shared hope in life eternal with God is not simply a dream for the future. Holy Spirit allows us this hope to sustain, guide, strengthen, and embolden us. He teaches through the Bible how to make each day a witness to God’s covenant by our words and by our day to day lives. Ask Holy Spirit for strength to stand with Jesus Christ.  Yes God does save men and women from suffering, but He also saves us THROUGH suffering.  

Things are going to get worse before they get better. Do not be alarmed. Do not be afraid. Read the Bible. Pray for the commission God has placed on you. Keep your eyes locked on Jesus Christ.  Trust Holy Spirit is teaching, correcting, refining and encouraging every aspect of the life God gave you. Remember, God opened the sea, bringing about the salvation of His people and the destruction of the enemy.