He is our REFUGE. {Jan Owen's Story}

Growing up, Jan’s family moved around a lot. She never felt like she had roots anywhere which left her lonely. Then, when Jan was 25, her mother passed away. Following her mother’s death, Jan married and moved away from the rest of her family. For 52 years, her marriage was filled with friends, church, get-togethers, vacations and trips together with her husband.

In 2016, Jan's husband became ill and passed away. Three years later, her only son died. Even though she now had roots, Jan felt lonely once again. Her friendships were different now. As she was no longer part of a couple, those wonderful get togethers changed and, eventually, stopped. She said, “They were still my friends but not as close.” ​

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When you are married for so long, life just fits together. You know how things work--who does what and when. You are dependent on one another and you reach a place where the mornings, noons, and nights are so consistent and so wonderfully special all at the same time.
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Life changing so drastically and so quickly can create an unexpected void in a person's life. However, God was near, and Jan never blamed Him for her loneliness. She developed a new depth to her prayer life bringing her closer to God. Today, Jan is still filled with questions of why. Why did she lose her husband? Why did she lose her son soon after? Yet, Jan writes, "I praise God for the time I had with Dave (husband) and Donnie (son)."

Despite lingering questions that may never go away this side of heaven, Jan’s testimony is this: “I feel my faith has grown stronger.” She encourages others to not blame God in sickness, troubles, or even in extreme loss because God’s love is strong. Her desire is to live out her days as a blessing and share His wonderful Word with others.

Her favorite verse is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life." 

He is our REFUGE.

In the hustle of life, we often find ourselves seeking refuge—a place of safety, solace, and peace. We long for shelter from the storms that batter our hearts and minds. Often we find this shelter in the relationships with those closest to us. What happens though when what we know to be safe and secure goes away?

Thankfully, we serve a God who is not only our Creator but also our Refuge. He invites us to find rest in His embrace and seeks to provide for all our needs.

Psalm 125:2 beautifully illustrates the nature of our loving Father: "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forever." Just as the majestic mountains encompass and protect the city of Jerusalem, our God encircles us with His everlasting love and care. His presence changes everything. 

The temporary shelters we grow accustomed to can never compare to the security we find in the arms of our Heavenly Father. God surrounds you with His mighty presence. He sees your tears, hears your prayers, and knows the depths of your heart. He is ready to be your refuge, your source of strength and peace.

God invites us to come to Him, to cast our burdens upon Him, and to find refuge in His loving embrace. He is a shelter which never fails, a fortress which never crumbles. In His presence, we find strength and comfort. In His Word, we discover guidance and wisdom. In His arms, we experience perfect peace.

In times when you are alone, turn to the Lord. Seek Him with all your heart and find solace in His Word. Allow His truth to wash over you and remind you that He is your ever-present help in times of trouble. Take refuge in His promises and experience the peace only He can provide.
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Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge and surrounding us with Your presence. Help us to always turn to You first. Remind us of Your strong and secure love. In times of trouble, help us find rest in You. Surround us with Your presence, Lord, and let Your peace fill our hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.