In a playground, there’s usually some type of spinning wheel. Someone standing outside of it pushes it to get it moving and those riding on the wheel, hold on tightly to a bar so as to not fall off. As life continues steadily, there may be events that happen that could through off the balance in our mind and emotions. It may be so drastic that it can wreck havoc inside of us. In this circumstance, what can keep us from being completely thrown off of the wheel which can badly injure us or others around?

Where do we go to seek refuge? What or who do we turn to? That one decision and or others following can impact the rest of our days going forward. I still remember running into a man who was homeless and searching for someone in the store to help buy him undergarments. We had two things in common. One, we were both artists and two, we both lost our mom not too long ago. From the traumatic experience in his life, he turned to follow a path of darkness involving drugs, satanism and who knows what else. Maybe there was some rebelliousness involved or anger towards God for allowing his mom to pass away.

Like the homeless man, I also found myself turning to morbid things after the passing of my mom. I was drawn to scary movies, videos of scary ghosts. It became a daily thing to watch those type of videos. If it weren’t for my foundation in the Lord, I would have easily been thrown of the right path. Who knows where dwelling in darkness would have led me, but in the midst of it, the Lord told me, “enough, ” and helped me to realize that my focus was being pulled in the wrong direction. It may have seemed like something so minor, but what is small, can grow into something so big that it can take over.

Life will always have its up and downs and storms are always on the horizon. But when you are prepared, knowing where to find shelter, it can save you. Even when everything around you seems to be chaotic, seeking refuge in Him, hope and peace remains.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2

The bible reads, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

Psalm 46: 1-3

Death is inevitable and it can happen to anyone we are attached to. So when something throws the wheel off from spinning in one direction, it’s important to be able to have something steady and grounded to hold on to as to not fall off into an abyss that seems impossible to get out of.

When my mom died, I thought I would loose my mind. She was like a best friend to me, a good listener, so warm, loving and selfless. I enjoyed hearing her voice and especially her laugh. Having gotten used to seeing her almost everyday as she would always invite me to her house for dinner on my way home and I would share stories of work with her, it was hard to all of a sudden, not see her face or hear her voice anymore. But having the Lord in my life for many years, God has been my solid ground. Weeping heavily on my knees, I cried out to the Lord, please don’t take her, not yet, but He still took her.

The bible says “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

Death is inevitable and it will happen. In this case, I know I will see her again in heaven when it’s my time to leave this place. I know because I have experienced God’s goodness, faithfulness, that He has met me, comforted me and gave me peace in the most heart wrenching times in my life where I felt like life was completely out of control. God has been the person, outside of the spinning wheel, standing on solid ground that starts the wheel into spinning and has the power to stop it.

There are many outlets to rid thoughts in our mind or feelings in our heart, but people can fail us and things can never fulfill or heal a bleeding heart so our search for peace continues and the thoughts or emotions continue to run rampant. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, food or other and continue to seek refuge from pain through things or people often numbing or ignoring the pain only to find it manifesting itself again and again. To run to the Lord for refuge, means taking the pain and laying it down on the cross, placing it in His hands and allowing Him to heal you.

The bible reads in Psalm 18, “…The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:1-2

It may seem like God is not there and is not listening, but sometimes, we need to sit in silence and listen to what He is speaking to our heart. I’ve turned to friends for advice, but as clear as day, when I turn to God, things happen. I may not get a pray or question answered right away, but I do receive a hint that it’s on the way or He’s working on it.

The bible reads in the book of Psalms, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:4-5

The bible reads in the book of Psalms, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

Psalm 118:8

God is not burdened or troubled when you call out to Him, in fact, He wants you to turn to Him, to seek Him. He wants to turn your mess into a blessing. He is a restorer. When you turn to Him, you may not see a change, but the process of change begins.

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 62:7

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3

Of all things or people we can turn to in times of trouble, the Lord brings results. Not to rule out therapy, but there are many instances where the answer can only be found in Him. As one would create a robot and know the ins and outs of it, how it was made, its weaknesses, its strengths, what can destroy it and how to restore it to properly function once again, so as to our Creator knows us as no one else. God knows what can destroy us from the inside and is able to restore us to proper functioning once again so if not in the morning, one day you can rejoice in what He’s done in your life and how He has delivered you. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16

God is the ultimate refuge. He is like no other. In Him you will find answers. You will find peace and not condemnation. In Him there is hope, peace and restoration so that hopefully, if not the next day, soon the light inside will shine brighter than ever and your joy will be restored.

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

Psalm 119:114

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Psalm 18:30

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7