God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.. Psalm 41:6

Finding Sanctuary in our Anxieties

There's a lot of talking about sanctuary on television today. You can hear it spoken of on practically every news cast. But are you aware how big a sanctuary and refuge our God is? Are you struggling today with something that seems too big to overcome? God's power to help us is magnified in the working of all three Persons of the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The Psalmist writes that our God is a very present help in the time of trouble. He in His all-knowing attribute doesn't miss one wit of what we are currently going through. But why does God seem to hesitate at times in answering our prayers? In the world there is an evil presence in open and savage rebellion against God in Satan and his angels. We are in a spiritual war, not battling physical beings and obstacles but waging war with unseen evil against the cosmic forces over this present darkness, spiritual dominions and principalities, the rulers, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

In the book of Daniel we read that as soon as Daniel prayed a prayer of petition, God immediately dispatched the answer. But Satanic forces fought for 21 days against letting the answer through (Daniel 10:12-13). Even though Satan's power was lessened when Jesus died and rose from the dead he still remains a powerful foe of the Christian believer.

How can one feel the peace of God when lust hits or there are bills to be paid and no money in the bank account or you're dealing with family troubles or problems that seem impossible to solve? Enlarging your view of God is a good first step. He is awesome in His might and completely powerful to do all He purposes to do. Remember He heard Daniel's prayer request and immediately dispatched an answer.

I trust in God's sanctification. That is the state of growing in divine grace. It is a daily maturity marked by a quiet and trusting spirit in God and the promises in His Word. I read God's word daily. If you are anxious or worried reading in the Psalms is a good place to start concerning God's love, power and promises that are available in His Son, Christ Jesus. We must remember too that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Roman 8:26). When we take sanctuary or refuge in God and rest in His ability to answer prayer we can rest in His perfect will for our lives. One of the biggest helps for me, outside of immersing myself daily in God's Word and prayer, is reaching out to other believers for prayer and support. The Bible tells us to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Many people praying together is powerful and knowing others know of your struggle and are praying for you can be a great comfort.

Taking sanctuary in the Living God brings consolation and hope. He has opened that door of rest and refuge for you. All you need do is walk through and lay your burdens in His hands trusting in His mercy and His awesome power. He knows what you need even before you ask (Matthew 6:8). You can lay all your burdens and anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1^st Peter 5:7). May you be refreshed, encouraged and strengthened in Christ in your life today as you find sanctuary through the God of the impossible.

Ken