Refuge

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Refuge

Light   Salvation

Fear   Courage   Stoutheartedness

Wait On The Lord

Answer

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord with courage.

Be stouthearted.

Wait on the Lord.

Reflection

Trying to find a refuge from the hectic pace of life can be important for all of us. 

We hear talk of men creating a "Man's Cave" where they can go to withdraw from the pressures of work and family to find some peace and quiet. 

Sometimes that refuge can be found when we take a walk on the beach. We can find interior peace as we explore nature through a walk in the woods. We can find refuge with a close group of friends who know us well.

Our refuges are places of renewal and reflection for us. They help us to achieve perspective and wisdom. We begin to realize that things are not as difficult or troubling as they first seemed. We can discover a path forward.

A lot of the darkness disappears as we are bathed in the light of God's Love. That light helps us to know the call of God for us. Many times, we are faced with difficult decisions. When we go into our place of refuge, those decisions can become a little clearer as we are led by the Light that God shares with us.

We know that Jesus came to share the message of salvation. Jesus told us that He was the Light of the world. He does not want us to be confused or misled. He came to show us the path of truth. 

This light can help us to overcome our fear. Sometimes we are unwilling to try new opportunities that come our way. We might feel very secure in our present job or with our current friends and unwilling to take a risk to expand our circle.

The interior voice of fear might be reeling off a long list of bad things that could happen: you could fail at that new job; you might not like your new coworkers; those new friends might take advantage of you.

The fears can cripple us from trying anything new. We need the courage to take on those new challenges in areas which make us initially uncomfortable.

We also have to see our refuge as a place of renewal and not withdrawal. Our reading from the Book of Psalms talks about being stouthearted and willing to take on difficult tasks. 

The key in this process is to wait on the Lord. As we seek refuge, we can take time to pray and to ask the Lord to accompany us as we face our fears and obstacles. 

We begin to realize that we are not alone. God is with us to support us and strengthen us. The answers will come as we listen to God.

Enjoy some time with God in your refuge!

1. Where do you go to find refuge from the pressures of life?

2. How do you deal with the difficult decisions you have to make?

3. What helps you to face down the fears you encounter as you are presented with new possibilities?

4. Do you feel that you are a stouthearted person?

5. Is it difficult for you to wait on the Lord?

6. What do you see as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)