God is our Refuge

God is our Refuge

Refuge. Not a place to live in, but a place to run to.  For King David this meant running from death threats and raging emotional turmoil. For Mary and Joseph it meant a humble cave where animals were kept. 

Here is what the thesaurus says for refuge: peace, safety, asylum, haven, hideaway, hideout, hiding place, protection,  resort, retreat, sanctuary, security, shelter, stronghold.

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When I think about those that need refuge I imagine war torn countries, and children in the midst of famine. But that is not all. I see mom's inundated with activities, schedules, and the strain of holding safe the hearts of their children. Also, men that struggle to be great dad's and be good at their jobs. Students navigating grades, social life and activities. 

Maybe the refuge is from worry and self-doubt. The effort to keep going in life when the road ahead seems blank and empty. 

Yes, we all need a refuge from time to time. Pastor Greg's sermon was on how God is our refuge. 

I immediately began to visualize what my refuge would look like if it was a real place. The strong walls contained the verses Greg mentioned in his sermon. The phrases written in the stones include strong tower, salvation, secret place, help in the time of trouble, a place of rest, hope, no fear, deliverer. 

This is where I go by prayer and meditation on verses. But often I find my refuge in things I love to do and God is with me there, too.

In my imaginary place of security I've drawn books, paint and canvas, comfy pillows, and even kids. I've drawn in my young friend that sits with me during the service. He loves to create along with me. Children's refreshing hearts and amazing capacity to love, give me joy. Nature comes through the window, because this brings me peace. Flicka and Zathras, my two labradoodles, bring comfort and laughter into my sanctuary.  

At the top of the walls scary worries try to crawl over. My young friend tells me to draw a snake, too. They are scary. God keeps them out with his sturdy rock castle, so I can rest.

As much as I would like to stay in this cozy cocoon, I have a calling to venture into the fray. Thanks for the refreshing stay, Lord. Now give me the vision and strength to serve you in the world.

Safe

Safe?

Safety. A place where nothing bad can happen. A sweet place with nothing bitter or sour. Can we stand without every falling? Taking away anything that could cause fear, so courage is never needed.

A part of who God is, is our protector. But does He do this by keeping us away from  anything that could hurt us?

In Greg Ralston's sermon he reminds us of what the Bible tells us about God as our protector. A protector made me think of a lion. In the lion's mane I've written quotes from the sermon. "God fights for us" "God fights when we align with Him." "God always has His people." Through scripture and personnel stories, Greg made his point. 

In my life God has stepped between myself and tragedy. True physical death could have been the result. But I have to remember that his protection is not about never facing giants. Sometimes His  protection is about helping us crawl through the mud, climb rugged towers, and fight in the storm.

It reminded me of the beaver's quote from Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he is good. He is king, I tell you." 

How do you see God?

The Look of God

Do you see God as an old man with a long white beard or do you see a familiar painting of Jesus? Maybe you imagine a swirl of colors in a cloud. I found that I don't see any kind of person when I pray or connect with God. 

I "experience" God. I've been filled with dark panic and fear then prayed, the complete peace that followed is how I see God.  Having a specific prayer being answered in a totally miraculous way is seeing God. He gives me rest, has protected me, directed me, and opened doors that no one would have thought could open. I feel His hand on my back and have been brought to tears over the love He has given me for others.  

How do you see God?

This first sketch is from a sermon series by Greg Ralston  about how you see God.   

A Time

A Time

What season are you in? Sometimes one season just rolls into the next. Others are hard longed for, a waiting for a joy and a release to come. Then there are the ones that are difficult to let go of.

Literal Fall is coming for me right now. I always hate it when one season ends, until the next one arrives giving me hope. Summer has it's freedom. Bringing vacations that for me calls my children home and takes me to them. Fall cuts that short, yet the colors in the leaves and the soft fall breezes

can bring a different kind of comfort.

This sketch is of a season tree. The tree holds symbols of the seasons of life, sorrow, joy, love and tears. But in everything we can give thanks, and we can dance in praise to God. 

This sermon came from the  verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Further encouragement comes from Psalm 30.

Life happens, but God is always with us. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 New International Version (NIV)
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Begin Again

Drawing by Tyler Wisemen 

Hi, again. I've discovered that my sermon sketches have an unexpected benefit. It is the perfect activity for a introvert. Not only does it give me a great reason not to get up during greeting time at church, (because I'm sketching) it keeps me from having to seek new people to talk to after the service. Not because I don't make the effort but because they come to me. New people, even those who just haven't noticed my drawing before, come to me. I can't even get out of my seat before someone has come over to talk. 

I have also developed another kid crew following that love to sit with me during the service, before they go to kid classes. This little group asks me to make a sketch for them that they add to or color in. It has stretched my abilities in having to to draw race cars, fighter planes and Optimus Prime.  All this has  encouraged me to continue posting my drawings. 

The drawing above came from a teen friend that talked with me after the service. He wanted to show me a his sketch from a few weeks ago. I think this drawing tells its story with no needed explanations.  More guest artists may be on the way.  :-)