Refuge of Grace

You know those nights when tears soak your pillowcase leaving behind puffy eyes? Or tossing and turning is a constant companion, leaving you exhausted to face the day ahead? You are not alone; I’ve had those days, too. Take heart, dear one, God’s Word offers us a sweet truth for our worn-down souls.

Even if your tear-filled eyes blur the words, let’s see what the psalmist writes in Psalm 139:5,

“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”

Psalm 139:5, ESV

As we picture God’s mighty hand upon us, our tension eases, loosening our shoulders and necks. His loving hand reminds us we are His and He is there.

Let’s find further encouragement in verses 7-12:

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”

Psalm 139:7-12, ESV

Let’s take a minute to soak in what the psalmist writes. This passage describes an expanse of locations, some hopeful and others deep with despair. And even still, no matter where we venture, God is there. He is ready to turn the darkness into light. And how desperately our souls need this light, His light. 

In Psalm 139:14, the psalmist continues,

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Psalm 139:14, ESV

According to the Miriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of wonderful or wondrous is something “to be marveled at; extraordinary.”I’d love for you to pause and think of what is extraordinary or causes you to stop and marvel? For me, it’s a sunset of colors bleeding across the sky, a freshly picked bouquet of flowers, or the sandy beach gently kissed by an ocean wave. These pieces of creation are truly marvelous. And friend, this marvel and wonder is ascribed to all of God’s works, including us.

Wondrous. We are God’s creation and He marvels at us. His delight in us doesn’t change based on what we do.  Sometimes, seasons of suffering make rest necessary.  The enemy can plant lies we are not worthy when we suffer. However, this passage reminds us, even in our harrowing seasons, we are still worthy, simply because we are wondrously made.

In the pit of suffering, let’s remember these truths.

• We are worthy when we grieve.
• We are valued when we feel empty.
• We are still worthy, even when we have to ask others for help.
• God desires us, even when the sadness is so thick we cannot begin to verbalize it.
• We are worthy when we stare blankly into space.
• Our heads are crowned with worth, even though the anxiety tightens our chests and shoulders, making it impossible to do daily tasks.
• We are still valued, even when we can’t get out of bed.

Dear friend, I don’t know what burdens your heart today, but this psalm reminds us God is present, no matter where we journey, His hand is upon us. Let’s allow God’s gentle whisper into our souls: our worth is marvelous simply because He created us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, even in suffering. Hold tight, even if tears are rolling down your face, your Creator sees your worth.