Pastor 신승윤 gave the sermon on this psalm today.
The context of the psalm is David running away from Absalomamprsquos treacherous usurpation of the throne.
Absalom, along with a majority of Davidamprsquos friends and officials who allied themselves with Absalom as the new king, are in pursuit. In the midst of his fear, David stops and cries out that God is his high rock, refuge, strong tower, and protective wings.
David does not complain about his situation because he knows it is the result of his sins, the result of his life. He repents, humbles himself, and glorifies God. He doesnamprsquot let his fears or his anger block his path to God.
The message of the sermon was not to let fear, hate, and anger eat you up because theyamprsquoll drive you to the ampldquoends of the earthamprdquo, far from God. So how do you stop? First, Cry out to God. Second, Take refuge under the wings of God. Third, there are vows you must fulfill.
One of the application questions was Who or What do you feel safest with? Who or What is your refuge?
Because of my job loss fifteen years ago and then my total bankruptcy just two years later when my subsequent contract job ended, Iamprsquom lucky I can say that money is not my refuge and doesnamprsquot make me feel safe. I know the truth that money is unreliable. There is no security in it.
My parents were once my refuge, especially my dad, because I could always count on him bailing me out of a fix I got myself into, whether it was in jail for trespassing, or picking me late at night because Iamprsquod stayed out past the time of the last bus, or giving me a bit of money to pay a debt. My dad is dead and my mother is dying, and Iamprsquom 66, too old to look to parents as a refuge.
My wives, too, were once my refuge, but the first one died, the second rejected me, and the third insists on me being independent enough to trust in God.
I learned from my recent experience of not doing QT for the summer that I live in God. Without the daily focus and interpretation of myself and my life in the Word, I lost my health, my energy, and my hope. I felt like I was being chased by a howling pack of anxieties. Now Iamprsquom back in my refuge of God, a wiser, happier man!
Application: share my QT.
Lord, let me not wander off the path of your life-giving grace for your namesake. Plant me beside the stream of your living water and let me meditate on your word every day.
