Weekly Snippet: Refuge

This week I watched a series of season and series finales on television (it's that time of year again), and for some reason they all were crime drama type shows--you know, the kind where the police solve mysteries all evening. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate what our public servants do, but these television shows left me with two lingering impressions: (1) The world is really messed up, and (2) Sometimes death is a lot closer than you may think.

Both messages are really true, and extremely sad.  I went to bed last night thinking about that.

I can't do anything to make the cold realities of this world seem smaller. I can't hug away the evidence, and chocolate isn't going to bring hope. Smiles don't reverse crime and a new outfit doesn't undo the hurt from a broken relationship. So, what answer do I have?

Jesus. I know that answer is considered trite, naive, and over-used in the general population.  I just have to say, don't knock it until you've tried it.  The world is hopeless, but Jesus gives you hope. The world is unsafe, but Jesus can rescue you and protect you. He's not just a fairytale--He is real. So, if you are without hope, talk to Jesus.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. --Psalm 9: 9-10 NIV