I want to end this week’s devotional with how I started. On my first devotional, I shared that in the tragedy of my mom’s  passing, I made a choice to internally “Fight or Flight”. I admit there have been moments that I chose “flight”.  

The difference with simply “running away” is where and who am I seeking to find shelter. The world wants to offer us  “solutions” and “refuge” in moments when we need shelter. They can come in many different forms: substance,  relationships, adrenaline-induced activities, or things of great monetary value. If you have ever found yourself engaging in  any of these forms of “solutions” to sufferings, you may come to find that they don’t have lasting effects. The world’s  solutions to present problems are temporary.  

The Psalmist is encouraging its reader that there is an everlasting solution when trials and tribulations come our way.  David, the author/poet/musician, of Psalms knows very well what it’s like when faced with choosing between “fight” or  “flight”. His inspiration in Psalm 91 is from Moses. Moses also knew. Both men when choosing “flight” sought their shelter  and refuge in God Almighty. They put their trust and faith in God alone and out of that they experienced His peace like  nothing else the world could offer in the middle of life’s tragedies.  

The reimagined hymn that forever transformed my life at the tender age of 16 during a youth group mission trip in  Alabama, is by Judson W. Van DeVenter, published in 1896, “I Surrender All”: 

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give 

I will ever love and trust Him 

In His presence daily live 

All to Jesus I surrender 

Humbly at His feet I bow 

Worldly pleasures all forsaken 

Take me, Jesus, take me now 

I surrender all 

I surrender all 

All to Thee my blessed Savior 

I surrender all 

All to Jesus I surrender 

Make me Savior wholly thine 

May Thy Holy Spirit fill me 

May I know Thy power divine 

Giving my whole body, soul and mind to Jesus Christ on that summer night, and inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within me  transformed how I viewed the world and lived my life on a daily basis. Ultimately my faith in Jesus Christ is what has  allowed me to not drown and suffocate under the pain and sufferings of this world, including but not limited to having a  loved one be taken away way before I thought it was time. I seek to find refuge and shelter in the Only One who gives  eternal hope and that’s Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I pray for anyone reading this if they find themselves internally battling with the trials and tribulations of  this world and they feel they don’t know how to “escape”, may the power of your Holy Spirit speak volumes with  gentleness into their lives right now. Affirm them in their spirit that you are a God who protects and shelters them from any  and all storms that comes their way. And increase their faith in the midst of those things. Declare to them that you are  faithful and you will not leave them nor forsake them. Help them seek shelter and refuge in You and You alone. In the  mighty name of Jesus, I pray! Amen. 

In His Hands, 

Angel Kruse