CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 755

“Horns of Refuge”

 Psalm 31:19; 36:5      Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you … How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

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The Brazen Altar was the altar of sacrifice for the atonement of sin.  The Altar of Incense represented the sweet aroma of intercessory prayers offered to God.  Both the Brazen Altar and the Altar of Incense used in Old Testament worship of God were fashioned with four horns at the corners.  The horn is a symbol of strength and power in the Bible.  Twice in the Bible we see men run to the Altar of Incense and take hold of the horns seeking refuge and forgiveness.

Are you in need of refuge today?  Do the pressures of life in this tough economy and uncertain future have you weighed down to the point of desperation?  It is during these difficult times that the enemy will plant seeds of doubt in our minds.  We begin to doubt if God hears our prayers.  We begin to wonder if we have been ‘good enough’ to earn His love.  We begin to doubt if God cares about us.

The enemy of your soul will also tempt you to ‘numb the pain’ of these difficult times through satisfying the lust of the flesh.  It may be substance abuse in extreme cases.  It may also be through indulging in ‘comfort foods’ that lead to poor nutrition, obesity and poor health.  The ScienceDaily News recently reported on an Oxford University study that suggests that people living in countries with ‘free market’ regimes are more likely to become obese due to the stress of being exposed to economic insecurity.

No matter what your circumstances are you can always find peace and assurance in the knowledge that God is always good and that God always loves you.

It is when doubting thoughts and temptations come that we need to run to the altar of God and take hold of the horns seeking His refuge and strength.  Envision yourself getting a grip on the horn of God’s goodness with your left hand and with your right hand on the horn of God’s love for you. These two attributes of God are true and unwavering.  God is good.  He works all things for our good.  God is love.  He loves us immeasurably.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good …- Romans 8:28

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  – Romans 8:38

Under the new covenant, altars of burnt offerings are no longer needed.  Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, continues to intercede in prayer on our behalf.  He is our refuge and our strength.  Come to Jesus and know beyond all doubt that He is good and that He loves you.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,  my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,  my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God.