“Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!”
Psalm 62:8 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Confidence, trusting God, relying on Him at all times is the theme of this verse. Confiding in God by pouring out our hearts to Him, confidently expecting that He hears, knows, understands, and cares about all that concerns us, will help build our confidence in His goodness, power, and promises.
God is a refuge, a hiding place, to those who seek Him. Our confidence in Him grows as we lean into His mercy and steadfast love that sustains us through difficult seasons. Living in ongoing dependence on the Lord will build our trust in Him. He gives us gracious confidence to trust His promise to be our refuge and fortress during seasons of distress.
A Touch of Grace:
What gives you confidence?
How do you pour out your heart to God?
Grace Application:
Having confidence, trust, and relying on others is hard for me. How about you? It’s been a life-long struggle for me to trust other people. I won’t go into all the why’s behind the battle right now, but let’s say it started early in my life.
Not trusting others impacts relationships with my family and friends and my relationship with God. Pride, self-sufficiency, unbelief is at the root of much of my struggle. For many years I soaked in self-pity (a twisted form of pride) and tried not to need people. I refrained from sharing the hurt and pain with others because I feared rejection. I leaned heavily on my abilities, refusing to see the mercy and grace God offered. Thankfully God is persistent. His steadfast love broke through the hard shell surrounding my heart. When hopelessness threatened to consume me, God drew me to His word, specifically to this Psalm.
This passage touched a tender place inside me. Reminding me that my hope is in Him, not anyone else. Jesus Christ is my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Refuge. He is always ready to hear me when I pour out my heart to Him. Bottling up my emotions and thoughts gives power to uncertainty and doubt. When I lay aside my pride (thinking He doesn’t care) and cast my burdens on His, I’m putting my confidence in Him.
It’s foolish to think we can hide anything from God. He knows EVERYTHING! Every thought, idea, plan we have, He knows. (Scary, isn’t it) Yet, He provides a safe place, a refuge, for us when we come to Him. Coming to God, emptying our souls of all that is in them reveals Who we trust. He alone is worthy of all our trust. He will never turn away from us, reject us, belittle us, or condemn us when we place our full confidence in Who He is, our Redeemer, Refuge, and gracious Confidant.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, You alone are worthy of all my confidence. You have proven over and over that You are trustworthy. Forgive me when I allow unbelief and doubt to consume my thoughts. I come to You and pour out my heart before You knowing that You hear me and will be my refuge forever. I praise You that Your word reminds me that in You, I have gracious confidence. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**