THE CENTER VERSE OF THE BIBLE
Psalm
118:8 is the middle verse of the entire Bible. It says: “It is better to take
refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”
There
are (3) Three Biblical Concepts:
THE CONCEPT OF REFUGE
The concept of refuge, which means a
place of safety and protection from danger or trouble. The Bible often
describes God as a refuge for his people, such as in Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91:2,
and Psalm 142:5.
The
concept of refuge means a place of safety and protection from danger or
trouble. God is my refuge because he is always with me and he cares for me. He
protects me from harm and gives me peace and comfort.
The
story of David and Saul in the Bible. David was a young man who was chosen by
God to be the next king of Israel. But Saul, the current king, was jealous of
David and wanted to kill him. David had to run away from Saul and hide in caves
and wilderness. He was in constant danger and trouble. But he trusted in God as
his refuge. He prayed to God and sang songs of praise to him. He knew that God
was his protector and deliverer. He wrote many psalms about God’s refuge, such
as Psalm 57:1: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul
takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster
has passed.”
Let
me share to you a motivational story of refuge. The story of Corrie Ten Boom, a
Christian woman who lived in Holland during World War II. She and her family
helped many Jews escape from the Nazis by hiding them in their home. They
risked their lives to save others. But one day, they were betrayed and arrested
by the Nazis. They were sent to concentration camps, where they suffered
horribly. Corrie’s father and sister died in the camps. But Corrie survived by
trusting in God as her refuge. She prayed to God and shared his love with other
prisoners. She experienced God’s presence and power in the midst of darkness
and evil. She later wrote a book called The Hiding Place, where she said:
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
I
have faced many challenges and difficulties in my life. I have felt afraid,
alone, and hopeless at times. But I have also learned that God is my refuge. He
is the one who loves me unconditionally and never leaves me. He is the one who
gives me strength and courage to overcome any obstacle. He is the one who fills
me with joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. He is the one who has a
good plan and purpose for my life. He is the one who makes all things work
together for my good. He is the one who saves me from sin and death and gives
me eternal life. He is the one who is faithful and true and never changes. He
is the one who is worthy of all praise and glory. He is my refuge, and I trust
in him with all my heart.
Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble.” This verse explains that God is the source
of our security and power, and that he is always ready to help us when we face
difficulties. He is not distant or indifferent, but close and caring. He is the
one we can rely on and run to in times of trouble.
Psalm 91:2 says: “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge
and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” This verse expresses our
personal faith and confidence in God as our protector and defender. He is like
a refuge that shelters us from danger, and a fortress that guards us from
enemies. He is not only the God of all creation, but also our God, who knows us
and loves us. He is the one we can trust and declare his goodness.
Psalm 142:5 says: “I cry to you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my
refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” This verse reveals our
desperate need and desire for God as our refuge. He is not only our refuge in
times of trouble, but also our portion in times of joy. He is the one who
satisfies our soul and gives us life. He is not only the Lord of all power and
glory, but also our Lord, who hears us and answers us. He is the one we can cry
to and say his name.
THE CONCEPT OF TRUST
The concept of trust, which means a
confident reliance on someone or something. The Bible teaches that trust in God
is essential for a relationship with him, and that trust in man is futile and
foolish, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 17:5-8, and Hebrews 11:6.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “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.” This verse teaches us to depend on God’s wisdom
and guidance, and not on our own limited and flawed reasoning. It also urges us
to submit to God’s will and authority in every aspect of our lives, and not to
follow our own selfish desires. It promises us that if we do so, God will lead
us in the right direction and remove the obstacles that block our way.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 says: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is
the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart
turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;
they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched
places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree
planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear
when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of
drought and never fails to bear fruit.’” This verse contrasts the outcomes
of trusting in man and trusting in God. It warns us that trusting in man leads
to curse, disappointment, barrenness, and isolation. It assures us that
trusting in God leads to blessing, security, fruitfulness, and abundance.
Hebrews 11:6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to
please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This verse explains the
necessity and nature of faith in God. It tells us that faith is essential for
pleasing God and having a relationship with him. It also tells us that faith
involves believing two things about God: that he is real and that he is good.
He is not a figment of our imagination or a distant force, but a living and personal
being. He is not indifferent or cruel, but loving and generous. He rewards
those who sincerely seek him with his presence and grace.
The
best illustration of trust is the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible.
Abraham was a man who trusted God and obeyed him. God promised him that he
would have a son and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Abraham waited for many years until God fulfilled his promise and gave him
Isaac. Isaac was the joy of Abraham’s life and the heir of God’s covenant. But
one day, God tested Abraham’s trust by asking him to sacrifice Isaac on a
mountain. Abraham did not understand why God would ask him to do such a thing,
but he trusted God and obeyed him. He took Isaac and went to the place that God
showed him. He prepared the altar and bound Isaac on it. He was about to kill
his son when God stopped him and provided a ram as a substitute. God was
pleased with Abraham’s trust and blessed him abundantly.
A
comparison of trust is the difference between a child and an adult. A child
trusts his or her parents without question. They believe that their parents
love them, care for them, and know what is best for them. They follow their
parents’ instructions and guidance without hesitation. They depend on their
parents for everything they need and want. An adult, on the other hand, trusts
his or her own judgment and abilities. They rely on their own knowledge,
experience, and skills. They make their own decisions and plans. They seek
their own satisfaction and fulfillment. They are independent and
self-sufficient.
A
contrast of trust is the contrast between Peter and Judas in the Bible. Peter
and Judas were both disciples of Jesus. They both followed him and learned from
him for three years. They both witnessed his miracles and teachings. They both
had a special role in his ministry. But they had different attitudes toward
Jesus. Peter trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He loved Jesus and wanted to
serve him. He confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. He
was willing to die for Jesus. Judas did not trust Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
He betrayed Jesus for money. He did not love Jesus or want to serve him. He
denied that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. He was willing to
kill Jesus.
Let
me share to you the motivational story of trust, the story of Nick Vujicic, a
Christian motivational speaker who was born without arms or legs. Nick faced
many challenges and hardships in his life because of his disability. He
suffered from bullying, depression, loneliness, and hopelessness. He even
attempted suicide when he was 10 years old. But he learned to trust God and his
plan for his life. He realized that God had a purpose for him and that he could
use his disability to inspire others. He accepted himself as God’s creation and
thanked him for his blessings. He started to share his faith and testimony with
people around the world. He founded an organization called “Life Without Limbs”
that spreads the message of hope and love in Christ. He married a beautiful
woman and had four children. He wrote several books and made many videos that
encourage people to trust God in every situation.
THE CONCEPT OF
CONTRAST
The concept of contrast which means a
difference or opposition between two things. The Bible uses contrast to
highlight the superiority of God over man, such as in Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans
3:23-24, and 1 Corinthians 1:25.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than
the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
thoughts.” This verse reveals the incomparability and transcendence of God.
It tells us that God’s thoughts and ways are different from ours, and that they
are superior and beyond our comprehension. He is not limited by our logic,
expectations, or standards. He is the Creator and Ruler of all things, and he
knows what he is doing.
Romans 3:23-24 says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that came by Christ Jesus.” This verse exposes the universality and
severity of sin. It tells us that all people have sinned and failed to live up
to God’s holiness and perfection. We are all guilty and deserving of God’s
wrath. But it also expresses the generosity and sufficiency of grace. It tells
us that all people can be justified and declared righteous by God’s grace
through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. We are all forgiven and accepted by
God’s love.
1 Corinthians 1:25 says: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than
human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
This verse contrasts the wisdom and power of God and man. It tells us that even
what seems foolish and weak in God’s perspective is wiser and stronger than
what seems wise and strong in man’s perspective. He is not bound by human
reasoning or ability. He confounds the wise and powerful of this world with his
own wisdom and power. He accomplishes his purposes in unexpected and surprising
ways.
The
best motivational story of contrast is the story of Gideon and the Midianites
in the Bible. Gideon was a man who felt weak and insignificant. He belonged to
the smallest clan of Israel and he was the least in his family. He lived in a
time when Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, a powerful and numerous
enemy. But God chose him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. God told him to
gather an army of 32,000 men. But God said that the army was too large, and
that he would reduce it to 300 men. God wanted to show that he would save
Israel by his own power, and not by human strength. He wanted to demonstrate
that the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Gideon obeyed God and
trusted him. He led the 300 men to attack the Midianite camp at night. They
blew their trumpets, smashed their jars, and shouted “A sword for the Lord and
for Gideon!” The Midianites were confused and terrified. They turned on each
other and fled. Gideon and his men pursued them and defeated them. God gave
Israel a great victory through Gideon and his 300 men.
An
inspirational story of contrast is the story of Mary and Elizabeth in the
Bible. Mary was a young virgin who was engaged to Joseph. She lived in a humble
town called Nazareth. She was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, the Son
of God. Elizabeth was an old woman who was married to Zechariah. She lived in a
hill country of Judea. She was barren and had no children. She was chosen by
God to be the mother of John, the forerunner of Jesus. God sent an angel to
both Mary and Elizabeth to announce their miraculous pregnancies. God wanted to
show that he can do anything, and that nothing is impossible with him. He
wanted to demonstrate that the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.
Mary and Elizabeth believed God and praised him. They visited each other and
shared their joy and wonder. They experienced God’s grace and favor in their
lives. God fulfilled his promises through Mary and Elizabeth.
My
dear friends, I want to conclude this message by inviting you to experience the
refuge, trust, and God that we have been talking about today. Maybe you are
going through a hard time right now. Maybe you are facing troubles, dangers,
fears, or doubts. Maybe you feel alone, hopeless, or helpless. Maybe you have been
trusting in yourself, in others, or in things that cannot satisfy you or save
you. Maybe you have been running away from God or ignoring him. If that is you,
I have good news for you. God loves you and he wants to be your refuge. He
wants to be your place of safety and protection. He wants to be your source of
strength and courage. He wants to be your provider and healer. He wants to be
your friend and father. He wants to be your Lord and Savior.
But
how can you find refuge in God? How can you enter into his presence and enjoy
his peace? The answer is simple: by trusting in him. Trusting in him means
believing in him and relying on him. It means confessing your sins and
repenting of them. It means accepting his grace and forgiveness. It means
surrendering your life and following his will. It means loving him and obeying
him. It means seeking him and worshiping him.
And
who is this God that we are called to trust in? He is the God who revealed
himself in the Bible and in history. He is the God who created the heavens and
the earth and everything in them. He is the God who chose a people for himself
and made a covenant with them. He is the God who spoke through the prophets and
performed miracles. He is the God who sent his Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross
for our sins and to rise again from the dead for our salvation. He is the God
who poured out his Holy Spirit on his church and empowered them to be his
witnesses. He is the God who is coming back again to judge the living and the
dead and to make all things new.
This
is the God that we are invited to trust in today. This is the God that we can
find refuge in today. This is the God that we can know and love today. So what
are you waiting for? Come to him now. Come to him with all your heart. Come to
him with all your problems. Come to him with all your needs. Come to him with
all your hopes. Come to him with all your faith.
He
is waiting for you with open arms. He is ready to welcome you with his love. He
is eager to bless you with his goodness. He is able to transform you with his
power.
Come
to him now and find refuge in him.
I
want to share with you a verse that has changed my life. It is the center verse
of the Bible, Psalm 118:8. It says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.” This verse has taught me to trust in God and not in
myself or others. It has taught me to rely on his wisdom and guidance and not
on my own understanding. It has taught me to seek his will and purpose and not
my own desires. It has taught me to find my security and protection in him and
not in anything else.
But
how can I take refuge in the Lord? How can I enter into his presence and enjoy
his peace? The answer is simple: through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son
of God and the Savior of the world. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He
is the only one who can bring me to God. He died for my sins and rose again for
my salvation. He paid the price for me to be forgiven and accepted by God. He
opened the way for me to have a relationship with God.
Through
Jesus Christ, I can come to God with confidence and boldness. I can come to him
as his child and friend. I can come to him with all my needs and wants. I can
come to him with all my joys and sorrows. I can come to him with all my praises
and prayers.
Through
Jesus Christ, I can experience the refuge that God offers me. I can experience
his love and grace. I can experience his power and presence. I can experience
his healing and restoration. I can experience his joy and hope.
Through
Jesus Christ, I can make Psalm 118:8 the center verse of my life. I can take
refuge in the Lord and trust in him with all my heart.
And
you can too.
Amen.
