Refuge ~ The Journey

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. ~ Psalm 5:11

As you know, Refuge was my word for 2018. There are really no words to describe my journey this year.  I have been sitting here for 15 minutes trying to think of some....just one - I can't. Really, the last 4 years, having a word, instead of some foolish New Years Resolution has been incredible!  To begin with I wasn't sure how to have a word for a year....I mean - what do you do with that? It's amazing how God will direct your steps as you set your mind and heart on learning more about Him and being more like Him. For me, I need to be surrounded and reminded all the time of my word.  I post it all over...like on my computer screen which I stare at all day long.  I also love to hand write scripture, so I made a binder to keep all my writing in. First - I write down the definition, synonyms and antonyms of my word and more definitions of the synonyms and antonyms.....this paints a beautiful picture from the start. Then - I research where my word is found in the index of my Bible and I write all of those down.  Then (because it is super interesting to me) I look up on the innerwaves how many times my word is found in each version of the Bible.  Refuge is in the NIV 90 times and the ESV 95 times.....of course there are way more versions than that but space is limited here. If I read anything during the year that speaks of my word, I will make a copy of it or write it down and add it to my binder.  Mind you, this is not something I do daily or even weekly, I mostly spend time learning about my word on the weekends but not every weekend.  The point is to dwell on it all the time, to think on it, marinate in it. I love the Psalms, so the richest part of my journey this year has been hand writing all of the verses in Psalm where David refers to God as his Refuge.  First, I read all of the Psalms and circled Refuge every time I saw it.  Then I went to hand writing those verses.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. ~ Psalm 9:9

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.  Psalm 16:1

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. ~ Psalm 34:8

Spending a year on Refuge.....I am certain that no matter what I face - whatever issue, problem, hardship or heartache, God is my Refuge!  I just have to whisper His perfect name and He will rescue me, comfort me, guide and direct me, protect me from any and all storms that will surely come.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:2

I am way excited about the journey for 2019!  Papa put on my heart that 2019 will be spent in Peace.  Let the journey begin....