Finding Solace in God's Word - Hannah Rials

Scripture:

“In thee, O Lord, do I take refuge;
Let me never be put to shame.
In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline thine ear and save me!
Be thou to me a rock of refuge,
A strong fortress, to save me,
For thou art my rock and fortress.”

Psalm 71: 1-14

            Change is not easy; in fact, change is terrifying. We are creatures of habit, and being such, we do not cope well with changes in our lives. I have exactly twenty-five days until I am no longer a high school student. In exactly twenty-five days, I will be stepping into a new world—a world of adventures, learning, independence, and choices. And I’m terrified. I will be placed in a new town with strange people. I’ll have new responsibilities and freedoms. I will be losing friends and lose the life that I’ve known for eighteen years. I do not understand why all these changes have to take place at the same moment—in a snap. I wish there were another way, another time. I pray for another away, to put some changes on hold, and at first, I felt guilty for praying this. But I recently learned that I am not alone. When Jesus took his disciples to the Olive Grove, he prayed to God for another way—he wanted to live. But he was also able to understand his death was a part of the greater good—a part of God’s will and plan for his son.
      
      I now understand these changes are a part of God’s will. I personally take comfort in these verses, in knowing that God is my rock and that he is there for me to take refuge.


            God has a plan for each of us because each of our lives has a purpose. We might not see that path that God has created, or that path might not seem easy or even possible. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, a reward waiting for us on the other side. When you are troubled—whether you’re suffering from grief, frustration, fear, or a combination—turn to these verses. Know that you are not alone in your prayers for another way. Take comfort in our savior’s humanity and magnificence, and know that God is the best place to turn when you’re suffering through turmoil. Let him be your rock, your fortress, and your refuge. 

Hannah Rials

Comments