Refuge

Last night I was reading and thinking about Psalm 23, because it was soothing the anxiety I was feeling about some stuff. It's a popular passage for a reason, and it has meant a lot to me at many points in my life.

Tonight I was hesitant to be home alone and suddenly felt inspired to go to the nearby wildlife refuge before it got dark. It was pretty, but I was slightly disappointed that I didn't get any amazing photos or anything in particular out of it besides an evening walk. Driving out there, I guess I had thought there might be something more for me, though I didn't know what.

Later, I was reading Psalm 23 once again and realized it matched many of the scenes I had just experienced tonight, and then I got it. :) God's a sneaky sneak.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.


He lets me rest in green meadows;


He leads me beside peaceful streams.


He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.


You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Also, it took me until I started writing this post to put together that in a moment of weakness and need, I went to a refuge.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7)

And on and on and on.