Sunday Scripture
It’s a rough school day that ends with a show down in science class. Corporal punishment has been banished from the classroom, but sometimes it’s the teacher who takes a beating. “Whatever made me think I could do this job?” I wondered, collapsing into weakness on the drive home. My best efforts with four troubled (and troublesome!) students had felt like 100% failure.
Help in Weakness
When I’m feeling defeated, I take refuge in the Help who never fails to show up :
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
Weakness and discouragement are not my favorite emotions, but I am learning that if my life were always bathed in a rosy glow, if I never experienced failure or disappointment, I would never experience God as refuge. Safe inside the illusion of my proficiency, my confidence, and my well-laid plans, I imagine a brand of security that shouts, “My kingdom come; my will be done.”
We only realize our need of a refuge when life throws us something that sends us looking for shelter or protection. Of course, then it becomes apparent that we need God, our refuge and strength, all the time!
Even on the worst of days–
Especially on the worst of days,
“God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Holding you in the light,
We only realize our need of a refuge when life throws us something that sends us looking for shelter or protection. Of course, then it becomes apparent that we need God, our refuge and strength, all the time!
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“We only realize our need of a refuge when life throws us something that sends us looking for shelter or protection.” So very true! And then in the best of days … we forget. May we remember our great need for Him each and every day.
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Praying this along with you!
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You’re a brave woman to substitute teach. I’m thankful for God’s refuge in every kind of trouble.
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He is VERY present!
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Ever present, arms always open. What a wonderful Savior!
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So wonderful!
Praying for you friend!
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Praises that He is there during the storms.
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Oh, yes!
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So true. I have days at my paid job that make me think “what am I doing here?” And then I go home and look around at all that needs done and want to throw up my hands in despair. Thankful that it is those times that He carries me and gives me hope.
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Shauna, I am so grateful to hear that you know where to go for refuge!
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You find such amazing books.
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Love reading!
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Michele,
Oh how I’ve lived in the false security of “My will be done; my kingdom come.” Just about the time I get to feeling too confident, God reminds me HE is the one in control and apart from Him I can do nothing. Will check out Joyful Living!
Blessings,
Bev xx
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I hope you enjoy it!
Blessings!
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Saturday in the kitchen, I felt weak and discouraged – just broken-hearted – and I reminded myself to praise, to trust, to find my refuge in Him – my rock, my fortress, my deliverer! Thank you for the reminder! Shalom, Michele! ~ Maryleigh
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So sorry to hear about your sad heart, but grateful for the testimony of God’s faithfulness to meet you there.
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Oh I had so many days like that when I was teaching. We live in a fairly poor rural town and had so many students with REAL problems that I often felt unable to help. And yet while I felt for them I still had a large number of other students in my class that needed to learn despite a few troubled youth acting up.
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So challenging! My hat is OFF to full time teachers!
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Teaching experiences like that are so hard and make us wonder if we can keep on. But Psalm 46–one of my favorites–helps us when life is hard and we’re struggling. Thank you for your insights, Michele!
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I am so grateful for the truth of those words!
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God bless you, Michele, and thank you for serving as a substitute teacher. You undoubtedly give 100% of your effort and expertise when you teach. The enemy would have you believe nothing good came from that day’s discouraging endeavors, but the opposite is true: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). Those students are blessed to have you!
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Oh, that’s kind and so appreciated!
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I needed to read this today. I will be sharing this one as well. Thank you, Michele.
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Your encouragement means so much!
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Indeed He is our refuge & strength everyday! And I can’t do without Him nor do I want to! 😉
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Amen!
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May we remember that he is our refuge even when the waters seem calm. I like that he is VERY present help. He’s not just “there” but not engaged – he is VERY present and intimately involved with us as our refuge.
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That VERY makes huge difference!
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‘We only realize our need of a refuge when life throws us something that sends us looking for shelter or protection’ is a beautiful statement and has really made me think about what my refuge is.
Katrina x
#MischiefandMemories
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Oh, good, I am so glad you are thinking along with me.on this!
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As a one-time classroom teacher, I can attest to those days when I left my classroom feeling beaten up and discouraged. God revealed Himself as a refuge to me then, and He still does as we parent our teens to manhood (and man, have I needed His safe-place presence lately!).
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Oh, sending up a rescue -the-mum prayer right now!
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“If I never experienced failure or disappointment, I would never experience God as refuge.” Now that is a good attitude to have. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this truth, Michele, even though it’s a hard one.
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Trusting for grace to stay in that mindset!
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My Hiding Place. ss
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Therefore, we will not fear!
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The worst days, the worst seasons—what a blessing to know that He is “very present” through it all. Thank you for this encouragement, Michele.
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We’ve tested this, haven’t we!
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I’m glad you have a refuge when you need it, teaching must take a lot of emotional energy. #mischiefandmemories
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Thanks so much!
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Knowing that God is still present in the storms hasn’t always been easy for me but I have tried to hold on to it. I often remind myself that he is more than big enough to take on my doubts, my questions and my anger on those hardest days. #MischiefandMemories
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“More than big enough!”
Such an apt description!
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I can relate, Michele, in so many ways. I love this quote…”Even on the worst of days–Especially on the worst of days,“God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Your book suggestions look great! The Well-Watered Woman appeals to me.
Your neighbor at Dare to Hear,
Tammy
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It was a great read, Tammy, and I so appreciated the author’s authenticity. Also heard her on a podcast and she was a great guest.
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Michele, you have put this so well! We do need to experience those emotions to experience God as our refuge. I have always loved the words “Our very present help in trouble”. Thank you so much for sharing and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party Community.
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It’s a great verse, and I’m wanting to really meditate on its truth this summer.
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Those aren’t my favourite emotions either Michele. But knowing that refuge (in whatever shape or form it comes) is waiting when things don’t go as planned is comfort and strength. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories
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That’s so true, Annette! We need the regular reminder.
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I think it is far easier to seek God when we are in need rather than remembering to give thanks when things are positive. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
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We would never know God as refuge if we never needed a safe place to go.
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So true, Michele! Another inspiring and powerful message. Thanks for sharing and linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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Thanks, Shelbee!
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Thank you Michele, Our God reigns – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
We will feature this good news on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Kathleen
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I so appreciate your encouragement, Kathleen!
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I’m glad you are able to find comfort when needed
Thanks for linking with #pocolo
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[…] The One and Only Safe Place to Go by Michele […]
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