Read: Psalm 71:1-12
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! (vv. 1-2)
Some people are critical of the Christian faith, saying it is a crutch for weaklings. Although some might argue, this idea isn’t wrong. All people are weaklings. We are all frail creatures of clay. We all need support.
The question is, “What will be our crutch?” For some it is alcohol, for others drugs. For some it is shopping, video games, or television. All of these things can become an escape, a way of coping when life gets too hard. We all need a refuge.
In this psalm, David recognizes his weakness. He sees God as his refuge, a great crutch and support. “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge” (v. 1). “Be to me a rock of refuge” (v. 3). “You are my strong refuge” (v. 7).
Anyone who says, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” is living an illusion. The world is full of powers capable of destroying us. But those who know the God of the Bible, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as their refuge will prevail in the midst of the conflicts all around us.
Do you have a reliable back-up, a refuge, a crutch? Turn from those things that only make matters worse to God and Jesus Christ. You will get all the support you need. —Harry Buis
As you pray, ask God to help you face your weakness, so that it can be made perfect in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10).
About the Author
The Rev. Harry Buis served as a Reformed Church in America pastor for 41 years, serving six congregations. He had a consuming passion for the Word of God, preached and written, and would take up his pen to share that passion at a moment’s notice. His enthusiasm for God and the Bible was his signature. Rev. Buis edited the Words of Hope daily devotional for twenty years, and wrote several books and numerous articles. He also taught as an adjunct at Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, and Kuyper College. He served the church in many capacities, and was elected President of General Synod of the RCA in 1980. Rev. Buis died of cancer in 2001.
