God's Refuge!

God is my refuge and strength has always been a favorite verse to quote.  Not until recently have I really understood just how much of a refuge He really is.  In the midst of career uncertainity, in the midst of financial uncertainity, I have found that refuge to be very comforting.  Waiting is very difficult for me and I found myself wondering exactly what Psalms 46:10 means when the psalm states, "stop striving and know that I am God."   Does this mean stop applying for jobs and just trust in HIM?  Does it mean for me to sit at home and just wait for someone to call? No, it does not mean either of those.  It means that we should place our trust in HIM and in HIM alone, not in our efforts, not in our actions but to stop striving and just rest in HIM.  It implores  that I quit trying to control the process and leave it in God's hands.  Be faithful and diligent, but place my trust in HIM.  A refuge refers to a "place where you are sheltered from danger".  Even though I am  jobless at the time, even though I have two young adults in college, even though my future is unclear; I can be still and not fear knowing that He has my future under control. There is peace in knowing that He loves and cares for me and has a place of service for me.  There is power in knowing that He has a wonderful plan for my life and my family.  God's refuge is a great place to be!  While I rest in Him I gain HIS strength.  As I write this post, I am reminded of a wonderful picture of peace I have communicated many times in my sermons.  It is a picture of a dove sitting in the cleft of the rock singing with all his heart, while all around him is lightning, thunder, blowing winds, rising tide.  Even in the midst of the storm he feels safe enough to sing.  My friend that is God's refuge!  Even in the midst of the storm trust in Him and draw from His strength.