In the Lord I take refuge.
You have just read the first verse of Psalm 11. “In the Lord I take refuge.” I’ve singled it out today that, in its utter simplicity we may pray with vehement fervency for those we love who have no refuge for their souls.
When we think of those we love, our Dear and Desperate Little Friends, those for whom we have been praying, we know that, could they but hide their hearts in Jesus Christ, they could and would heal and be revived.
Some of us are praying for loved ones who are greatly oppressed by others, even incarcerated. Some of us are praying for those who, in their own woundedness and pride, do a lot of the oppressing. Still we love them, and we care deeply about their immortal souls. In us they have a friend who sees better than they do that God is love and that all they need, all joy and peace and forgiveness and newness of life are in Him.
All for whom we pray have this in common: they have an enemy of their souls, ready to snatch them from all knowledge of mercy and truth. But they, our D.L.F.s, have us, and we have faith in God.
Nothing shall be impossible to the one who believes. Elizabeth said that of Mary, and she should know. How can we want good for those who are weak and frightened and without hope, and our prayers be unanswered? Do they disregard God more than we have regard for their souls, their spiritual and emotional well-being?
With our prayers today, let’s answer that question!
“The Favorite” Georgios Jakobides, 1890, Wikipedia, by permission
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