Neverland...

Today's Readings: OT -  2 Kings 9 / NT - Psalm 8-9

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." - Psalm 9:9-10

In 1904, the play Peter Pan debuted and in 1911 the children's book Peter and Wendy was published. The stories tell of a girl named Wendy and her brothers flying off with Peter Pan to a land of fun and adventure. Author, J. M. Barrie, wrote of a fictional island named "Neverland" where children could fly away from the harsh realities of  life. Such stories pique the imagination in a world of constant change and abounding troubles. Could there ever be a real place to fly called Neverland?

David often wrote about troubles, dangers and injustice. His life was filled with oppression as he cried out, "O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death" (vs. 13) Still, David always had reason to hope in the darkest time because he found refuge in the Lord. He learned that the Lord NEVER forsakes those who seek him. The Lord said it in Deuteronomy 31:6 and again in Hebrews 13:5... “NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you.” David found a real place to fly called Neverland.

Do you feel trapped in a world of stress, pressure and unending difficulties? Where do you go to find relief? Have you found someone who will always be there for you, whatever the circumstances? If not, let me take your hand and we'll fly away to "a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." We'll fly away to the Lord, who NEVER forsakes those who seek him, because he said he will NEVER leave you, he will NEVER forsake you. Yes my friend, there really is place called Neverland.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 2 Kings 10:1-17 / NT - Luke 17