Reading the 118th Psalm is a drink of cool water in a parched land; the reminder that there is satisfaction for my thirst. The cue that an unshakable refuge awaits my confidence. The prompt that God’s communication sets me free from distress and despair – even “when darkness veils His lovely face.”1
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:8–9
E. M. Bound quotes A. C. Dixon recounting the story of a friend:
"I heard the barking of a number of dogs chasing a deer. Looking at a large open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across the field and giving signs that its race was almost run. It leaped over the rails of the enclosed place and crouched within ten feet of where I stood. A moment later two of the hounds came over, and the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. Just then I felt that all the dogs in the West could not and would not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength."2
I am that fawn in the arms of my heavenly Father. Those dogs could be internal or external threats – but let’s remember the word of the Lord – our battle is not against people but forces of darkness. I take refuge – I place my full confidence in “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”3
Taking refuge in the Creator/Redeemer relieves the anxiety that the matters of existence under the sun will become unpleasant or out of my control. Resting in the grip of His grace I am reminded that they never were under my control, and that in this temporal existence I will never find the full satisfaction that my soul craves.
So, I appeal to His strength and the strength of His promise. I rest, satisfied in the refuge of His unwavering grace, acceptance, and love. Only then can I live in settled satisfaction even though dogs are about. They are still at His feet.
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1From the hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” (Edward Mote)
2A. C. Dixon, quoted in E. M. Bounds On Prayer by E. M. Bounds, (Whitaker House, p. 107)
32 Corinthians 4:6
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