Let God Be Our First Refuge

Keeping Our Hearts Anchored in Him

No one is perfect. We all have our own flaws, weaknesses, and things we need to work on. And sometimes, when we find ourselves judging others, getting frustrated, or holding on to anger because we disagree with certain things, perhaps it's a reminder for us to look inward first.

Because the truth is, when we spend too much time judging others, we might be losing sight of what truly matters: love, humility, and our relationship with God.

As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:3 (NIV):

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

Even when we're genuinely upset, disappointed, or strongly disagree with someone, we should try our best to bring our attention back to God. Instead of allowing anger to consume us, let's pray, reflect, and focus on doing our part well.

Perhaps the question we should ask ourselves is not always, "What's wrong with them?" but also, "Lord, is there something within me that You want me to improve?"

Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV) reminds us to bear with one another, forgive one another, and above all, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.

We don't need to carry unnecessary anger, fear, or resentment in our hearts. We shouldn't be afraid of people or circumstances. The only One we should truly fear is God.

As Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."

And perhaps this is one of the things God has been gently reminding me of lately: to let go of my attachments to anything and anyone more than I am attached to Him.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, we allow people, expectations, circumstances, or certain things to take up too much space in our hearts. We start depending on them for our happiness, peace, or sense of security. And somewhere along the way, we forget that God should always come first.

In Matthew 6:21 (NIV), Jesus says:

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This is such an important reminder that our hearts should always belong to God above everything else.

He has always been by my side, through every high and low, every difficult moment, and every uncertainty. He has never abandoned me. He has never led me with the intention of hurting me. His ways are always right, even when I don't immediately understand them. And He continues to guide me toward what is good and right.

As Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) beautifully reminds us:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

I think I just need to be reminded to trust Him more and rely on Him alone.

Of course, this doesn't mean we should isolate ourselves or stop cooperating with others. We are still called to love one another, support each other, work together, and lend a helping hand whenever we can.

But there's a difference between appreciating people and depending on them more than we depend on God.

Jesus should always be the first One I turn to whenever I face difficulties, not the last resort after I've tried everything else.

As Psalm 62:8 (NIV) says:

"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

I can seek advice, receive help, and walk alongside others, but my first conversation should always be with Him. He is my refuge, my source of wisdom, my strength, and my greatest source of peace.

So, tonight, this is my little reminder to myself:

Let go of unnecessary attachments. Don't let anger take away your love. Don't let fear take away your peace. Don't spend too much time focusing on what others are doing wrong when there's still so much room for personal growth.

Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus. Pray more. Trust Him more. Love more. And focus on becoming the person He wants you to be.

As Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) reminds us:

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

At the end of the day, God is always right, His timing is always right, and His love never fails.

May we never become so distracted by the things and people around us that we forget the One who has been with us all along.

That's my little reminder for tonight. ❤️

God bless you all, always. May God bless you and your families abundantly.

Love you all. ❤️

---

A verse to take to heart tonight ❤️

Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

We can love people, but our hearts belong to God. We can walk with others, but our foundation must always be Jesus. ❤️