Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 10– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“The Eternal God is your refuge.” 

—Deuteronomy 33:27

The word “refuge” may be translated “mansion” or “abiding-place,” which gives the thought that God is our home— the place where we live. There’s a fullness and sweetness in this metaphor because our home is dear to our hearts—even if it’s the humblest cottage or the scantiest shack.

It is at home that we feel safe; we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. In the same way, when we’re with our God we “fear no evil.” He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge. At home we lay down to rest after the work of the day, and in God we find spiritual rest when tired by life’s conflicts.

At home also we let our hearts loose; we’re not afraid of being misunderstood or of having our words misconstrued. In the same way, when we are with God we can talk with him freely, laying open all our hidden desires, and he knows them all.

Home is also the place of our truest and purest happiness, and it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in him which far surpasses all other joy.

It is also for home that we work hard each day. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden and motivates our fingers to perform their tasks. In this sense, we may also say that God is our home. Love for him strengthens us, and we want to make his heart happy by bringing home his wandering sons— those who have yet to become our brothers.

Happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their refuge! [M&E]