Walking Through Ephesians
“Day 35 (Numbers 35)”
Categories: 40 Days in the WildernessIn the 35th chapter we continue the discussion over how the promised land was to be divided. In this chapter we find what the Levites were given. Though they didn't get a portion of the land as did the rest other tribes, they were given 48 cities. 6 of those cities would be known as "cities of refuge" to be a place for those who had killed another accidentally. They could flee and find safety in these cities.
There's something to that thought - finding a refuge, a place of safety. That's an image which is found throughout the OT - God is our refuge (Ps. 46:1; Ps. 61:3; Ps. 91:9; 2 Sam 22:3; Ruth 2:12; etc.). A refuge is a place one goes for protection, for security, for comfort, for strength. So often we make things such as money, possessions, occupations, success, family and friends our refuge - just like building a house upon the sand. When the storms of life hit (and they will), that house will come crashing down. The house that stands is the house built upon the rock (Matt. 7:24-29). It's the one who makes his God his refuge. He turns to God for strength, for comfort, for security, for joy. He looks to God's words for guidance. He models his life after Christ's example.
Do you have a place to turn when the hard times come? Do you have one to turn to for comfort when your heart breaks? Do you have a place you go for safety, security, and hope? Let God be your refuge. Put your trust in Him. He will not fail. When it seems like everything is crumbling and falling to pieces, turn to God. Give your life to God. Seek shelter under His wings - a life led by His wisdom and guidance - There's hope. There's comfort. There's confidence. God has provided a city of refuge - come make your home in Him!
Great God and Father, I praise You this morning for all that You are, and all You have provided. I wake the dawn singing Your goodness, amazed at all You are to me. You are my Strength, my Rock. You are my Shield, my Strong Tower. You are my Help, my Redeemer. You are my Safety, my City of Refuge. You are my Salvation. You are my Hope. You are my Source of Joy, the Smile on my face. You are the Song that I sing. You are Love. You are Good, and the Giver of all that is Good. You are my Father, My King, My Creator, My Friend, My God. Thank You for giving me all that I have - for giving my life meaning, purpose, joy, comfort, and hope. I give You this day, my wonderful God. I give you my words, my thoughts, the best I have to give. I love You and praise You - my Lord and my God!
