Shelters and Safe Houses for battered Believers

Domestic violence is more prevalent than we think. The Surgeon General's Office claims the leading cause of injury in women between the ages of 15 and 44 is domestic violence. There are more women injured by family violence than all the injuries women in that age group sustain from traffic accidents, muggings and cancer deaths combined. Just because we cannot see it doesn't mean it's not happening. Often the beatings and punches and blows are NOT on the face. A facial wound or bruise would cause suspicion outside the home, increasing the risk of being reported. Is there a safe haven for women and children in your community if they need to run for safety? Animal shelters often outnumber shelters for women and children three to one.  

It's a tragedy that so many are physically, emotionally and psychologically at risk due to various forms of abuse. But what about a spiritual safe house or refuge for you, yourself when the going gets rough and you're assaulted by the circumstances and happenings of life? Is there a shelter for the spiritually battered? Maybe you are going through a very rough time right now. You’re sustaining one blow after another and you live in fear, wondering where the next hit will come from. You feel vulnerable and exposed and defenseless. At this point, nothing would surprise you. You feel alone in your struggle and because of the nature of your situation you think you can't confide even in a close Christian friend.

Is there a shelter – a safe house for you? Thank God there is. There was and there will always be.

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:

for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

(Psalms 9:9-10)

Eugene Peterson's freestyle rendering of this verse goes like this: “God's a safe house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.”

Yes, David experienced this shelter during difficult periods of his life; but in Psalm 9 he's scanning the distant future when the saints of God and many others will be at great risk as they await the return of Christ who will defeat every foe in earth's final battle. But you can claim this verse today as well. This safe haven is available to you this very day. 

If you're oppressed, battered or in trouble run to the safe house. Christ! You can relax in His presence, once you have poured out your heart to Him. You can just sit there or kneel there or lie there and enjoy His healing therapies. You might not even be in the condition of mind to formulate a coherent prayer. Just come inside with all your fretting anxieties, your wet cheeks and red eyes, your running nose and twisted facial muscles; come with your soggy, tear-drenched tissues –  just enter. He will minister to all your needs with love, tenderness, grace, forgiveness and untiring patience. Hebrews 4:15 -16

Early in the 1800's this old hymn was written by Hugh Stowell. Many have sung these words over the years. Four American missionaries and their wives serving the Lord in , along with their two children sung this hymn just before they were put to death. If you don't know the tune, click on the link below and sing along. It's for you too!

From every stormy wind that blows,

From every swelling tide of woes,

There is a calm, a safe retreat;

Tis found beneath the Mercy Seat.

There is a place where Jesus sheds

The oil of gladness on our heads,

A place than all beside more sweet;

It is the blood stained Mercy Seat.

Ah! Whither could we flee for aid,

When tempted, desolate, dismayed,

Or how the hosts of hell defeat,

Had suffering saints no Mercy Seat?

There, there on eagle wings we soar,

And time and sense appear no more;

There heavenly joys our spirits greet,

And glory crowns the Mercy Seat.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromevsw.htm

 Be sure to enjoy the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ,

Peter Ramsay

BONO: "I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For." Read the latest Life Lessons story at: www.heaven4sure.com