Dear Friends

The word "refuge" is mentioned 107 times in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Our refuge is in God, and God alone. Yet the Spirit also leads us out into the world that is filled with struggle, pain, injustice, and hard work to do as we follow Jesus together. Time spent with God is a refuge that gives us the rest, the strength, the discernment, the focus, the courage to leave the safe places of our lives, and do the work of healing, social justice, reconciliation and care for the Common Good to which God calls us.

Many have said, "a ship is safest in the harbor, but that is not what ships are meant for." So too for we who are trying to follow Christ. We need time spent intentionally in communion with God who is our refuge, but then we need time spent with God, out there doing the work of Christ. When we need, let us take refuge, and then when called, let us leave refuge, to be brave and faithful followers of Jesus.

Below are some of the spiritual resources that might be helpful to us, or someone we know.

Scripture:
Oh, I must find rest in God only,
    because my hope comes from God!
Only God is my rock and my salvation—
    my stronghold!—I will not be shaken.
My deliverance and glory depend on God.
    God is my strong rock.
    My refuge is in God.
All you people: Trust in God at all times!
    Pour out your hearts before God!
    God is our refuge! 
 
Psalm 62:5-8

Prayer:
O God, you are our refuge.
In times of chaos and fear, help us to put our trust in You. Even in this very moment, we place our trust in You. Amen.

Music video: 
Lyrics:
In God alone my soul can find rest and peace. In God my peace and joy. Only in God my soul can find its rest. Find its rest and peace.


with love, with prayer, and with trust,
Jeff