October 31

Writing these devotionals has brought up a lot of memories, both good and bad, from my time as a caregiver for my youngest child. We knew before she was born that she was going to require multiple heart surgeries in order to survive. Comforting her in the hospital became routine under the circumstances. But that comfort took a different shape as she got older.

Not that it was diagnosed, but I’m sure my daughter had medical PTSD. She would scream and cry in the doctor’s office because she knew it meant getting poked and prodded by doctors. One of our last hospitalizations our nurse broke protocol to let me hold her while she slept because Leah was inconsolable in her PICU bed. And that is what struck me while I was reading Psalm 62. Where did my 2 year old daughter turn when she was scared? To her mother, because she would find safety there.

The Hebrew word used for refuge in Psalm 62 means shelter; a place to flee for protection. We can have hope and put our trust in our Father as a place of refuge for us in times of trouble. Just like I was by my daughter’s side while she was scared, God is with us. What scares or troubles you today? Pour it out to the Lord and find comfort in his presence.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, I come to you today with my burdens. Be my refuge, my place of safety when I’m afraid of what will happen. I know that I can trust in you to work good out of these circumstances and in all things. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.