Scripture

Psalm 18:2 (New International Version)

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Consider

We get into trouble when we make another human being our refuge.

We can and should turn to others for comfort and help and support, but even those who love us best will fail us because they are not God. We often saddle them with burdens they cannot possibly bear. We set up expectations that they fail to meet because they are humans like us with limited abilities, resources, and patience.

Only God can know our thoughts and understand our deepest needs and desires. Only he can be constantly with us, loving us with unfailing affection and never wavering in his desire to work out situations for our good. God never gets tired, never runs out of kindness, and is never overwhelmed by our neediness. Our weakness cannot defeat him but only strengthens his power and grace in us.

When we feel angry and hurt because someone has disappointed us, we can ask ourselves: Am I looking to this person for something only God can supply?

Pray

FATHER, show me how I am burdening others with unfair expectations and then generating turmoil because I get angry and hurt. Give me grace to overlook offenses and to rely more and more on you for my safety and hope. Thank you for being the refuge that never fails me.

Reflect

Psalm 36:5-7; Deuteronomy 33:26-27; 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Name a need of yours that only God can completely satisfy.