Kim Gladden / Pastor of Small Groups and Singles

When the VisionQuest Community Orchestra is preparing to play, our conductor always gives the same reminder: We must start together and end at the same time together. No matter what happens in between (like if heavens forbid you should lose your place in the music) just keep playing and find us in time to end with us in unity. This will help to minimize any blunders within the body of the piece. And this admonition reminded me of Psalm 31 where the psalmist has two bookends represented by the first and last verse. The Psalm begins like this, “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge…” The psalmist goes on to recite all of the challenging things that are happening in his life that he needs refuge from: enemies, slander, affliction, distress, traps, conspiracies, etc. Very real things that are confronting him to challenge his faith. But he ends the psalm saying “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” There is the recognition that no matter what is happening around him, because of his trust in the Lord, he will get through it. And he experiences hope because of the strength of this relationship with a God who is able to help him. Sometimes, our lives can be like what the psalmist describes: all kinds of interesting twists and turns coming at once making us feel like we are about to lose our footing. But the key to living victoriously is to know that God is there for us, and able to handle whatever is being thrown at us. So I pass on to you the admonition from these bookends in Psalm 31. They can provide comfort as we face the vicissitudes of life. If you are going through a rough passage, or just need encouragement, make this your mantra: TAKE REFUGE-TAKE HEART! Say it over and over again until it sinks into your spirit: take refuge, take heart, take refuge, take heart…Because of who God is, we can do both in Him.