Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of June 27, 2021

WEEKLY READING: ROMANS 6-10; PSALM 31-32

PASSAGES REFERENCED: PSALM 31:3-4; ROMANS 8:26-28

Take a minute to think and write down the words or phrases that come to mind when you hear the word: refuge.

Now take 5 to 10 minutes to sit and listen to God. If a word or phrase comes to mind, write it down. Do not debate it. Just write it down.

Psalm 31:3-4 teaches us, “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.” (ESV)

ESV Study notes use two words to describe when we take refuge in Him:

Dependence

Humbly (meaning: genuine gratitude) coming before Him and emptying ourselves (with good or bad things) in desperate need of His guidance, strength, understanding, and encouragement.

Take a minute to read, reflect, and respond to Romans 6:1-14.

The price God paid by sending His Son to the cross to die for all our sins leads us to come humbly, with genuine gratitude, before Him to empty ourselves and receive His loving grace and mercy.

Trust

As we humbly come before Him, seeking His refuge, with genuine gratitude, we have to trust in His provision, i.e., next steps.

Romans 8:26-28 teaches us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (ESV)

If we love Him, then we trust Him. We came to Him in our weakness depending on His provision; therefore, we must rejoice and trust in His plan for the next step.

Don’t seek refuge only in times of distress. Refuge in Him should be a daily routine. God wants us to seek Him daily to be renewed in Him. Intimacy (dependence and trust) with God is life’s highest priority! – David Wildman

Some questions for further reflection:

• In what ways do you seek His refuge? What rhythms do you put in place to seek His refuge daily?
• What things or people keep you from His refuge? How can you set boundaries so these things or people do not rob you from this time of refuge? What people can you let in that help encourage and support your dependence and trust in God?
• How are you listening to, speaking with, and learning from God daily?

Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.