Day 9: Gratitude focus – A friend who has been a good example
Quality or name of God – A Refuge for the Oppressed
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Last night on the news, a man from New Jersey spoke of having to climb to the roof of a nearby house to seek refuge from the ravages of Superstorm Sandy last week. He shared his personal terror as the waters were rising higher and the surges were pounding harder as the hours rolled by. He began to fear that even his rooftop refuge would soon be under water. The segment ended with the good news of how he was safely rescued from the peak of his neighbor’s roof!
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9, NIV)
Though I have never been through a storm of such incredible proportions as those inflicted by “Sandy,” like all who are reading these words, I have had times when I was afflicted, troubled, uncertain, and downtrodden. Just like the man in the news story, I sought refuge—not physical refuge, but a spiritual refuge. And I found it!
It is interesting to me that the word for ‘refuge’ in today’s verse is misgab—meaning “high place,” “secure height,” and “retreat.” As we take refuge in the One Who is the stronghold for those who are oppressed, we can find comfort and courage in the fact that the storms which threaten our souls cannot devour us in the high tower of shelter provided by our Refuge!
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Additional reading (for reading through the Psalms in 30 days):
Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129
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Ideas for demonstrating gratitude to the person of focus today:
» – Send an email to thank your recipient for being a good example. Be sure to state a specific area in which they are an example to you.
»$ – Send a card or letter to the friend you have chosen to thank, and be sure to mail it soon! If possible, enclose a picture of you and your friend together. (Walgreen, Target, Meijer, etc. have photo kiosks where you can print a picture from a flash drive for under 25 cents!)
$ – Give your gratitude recipient a blank journal or a book you know they would enjoy reading. Be sure to write a note of thanks in the front cover to remind them of your appreciation! [Inexpensive blank journals are available at Michael’s! Use your coupon or iPhone app coupons for 40% off the price!!]
» = free »$ = minimal cost $ = cost involved
“A good example has twice the value of good advice.” (Unknown)