Harold J. Sala

FindingandRefuge

Strength

OMF LITERATURE INC.Manila, Philippines

Finding Refuge and Strength: Daily Guidelines for Finding Shelterfrom Life’s StormsCopyright 2008 © by Dr. Harold J. Sala

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from theHoly Bible: New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973,1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission ofZondervan. All rights reserved.

Other Scripture quotations are from:Holy Bible: English Standard VersionTM. ESVTM. Copyright © 2001 by

Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used bypermission. All rights reserved.

Holy Bible: King James Version. KJV.Holy Bible: New King James Version. NKJV. Copyright © 1982 by

Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Holy Bible: New Living Translation®. 2nd edition. NLT®. Copyright ©

1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Used by permission. Allrights reserved.

Letters to Young Churches. Copyright © 1947, 1957 by MacmillanPublishing Co., Inc.; renewed 1975 by J.B. Phillips. Used bypermission. All rights reserved.

The Living Bible. TLB. Copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Publishers,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. Copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H.Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rightsreserved.

Cover design by Amor Aurelio B. AlvarezPage design by Dorothy Joy Quan

Photo credits: Alan Joesel del Campo for January, February, March,April, June, July, October, September and November. Harold J. Sala forMay, August and December.

Published (2008) in the Philippines byOMF Literature Inc.776 Boni AvenueMandaluyong City, Metro Manilawww.OMFLit.com

ISBN 978-971-511-85-6

Printed in the Philippines

To Orville Sala and Warren Clark

In 1963, these men shared my vision of using the media toproclaim the Good News around the world. Orville, mybrother, and Warren Clark, a friend whose mother had beenmy Sunday school teacher, believed that God would honorHis Word as we faithfully proclaimed it, and that He wouldprovide for what He wanted done. Thus, the ministry of Guide-lines International was born in the basement of Orville’s home.

Since that day, these two men have served on the board ofGuidelines, and both have stood alongside me—encourag-ing me, giving counsel and pouring their very lives and re-sources into the ministry.

While many people have encouraged, helped, and sup-ported the ministry, no other two individuals (along withtheir spouses) have been more faithful or have meant moreto me personally.

Acknowledgments

SOMEONE ONCE SAID that behind every successful man is awife and a surprised mother-in-law. The reality is that manyindividuals—most of whom are behind the scenes—contrib-ute to the success of any major endeavor. For instance, thisbook has been published because of the help and influenceof many people.

Elisabeth Moore, a spunky lady who taught a collegecourse entitled “Origin of English Words,” was among thefirst to help me realize how powerful words can be. Someindividuals use them as fiery rhetoric to incite people to arevolution; others choose to use them to bring people com-fort, inspiration, healing and hope. Ms Moore inspired me tomake my words matter—like flames of light penetrating thedarkness of our world. I will always be grateful for her smileand encouragement.

Luisa Ampil, my administrative assistant, contributedlargely to this book. She carefully transcribed and editedmaterials that were first used on my radio program, “Guide-lines—A Five Minute Commentary on Living.” Thank you,Luisa, for your partnering to bring this book to fruition.

I’m also grateful to OMF Literature, who for four decadesnow has always been behind me, allowing me to write morethan 40 books speaking to the hearts and lives of peoplearound the world. Thank you, Paul Aragones, Chief Execu-tive Officer; Yna Reyes, the indefatigable Publications Direc-tor, and Beng Alba, my editor, along with her associate KarenHuang, whose careful scrutiny makes me look better than Ireally am.

preface

ref·uge – protection, sanctuary, secret place, safety, haven,hiding place

strength – fortitude, endurance, courage, perseverance,power, resolve, strength of purpose, tenacity, physi-cal and emotional toughness

WHERE DO YOU GO TO find help in a world filled withbroken promises, broken hearts, broken relationships, andbroken lives? When “bad things” happen and your dreamsare shattered, where do you go and what do you do? Someadopt the attitude advocated by Job’s wife when his world fellapart: “Just curse God and die!” But others seek refuge andstrength.

I have been deeply impressed with the many referencesin the Bible—especially in the Old Testament—depicting Godas a stronghold, a refuge, a hiding place and high tower. TheOld Testament mentions strongholds or fortresses some 41times, and David, who spent seven long years as a fugitivefleeing for his life, often fled to a stronghold for safety.

Strongholds and fortresses are as old as history itself.They are a reflection of our desire to be safe from our en-emies. In ancient days they were often constructed as de-fenses—ones that kept enemies on the outside and lovedones on the inside. They were built of massive walls of stoneand defended with cannons and armament. In the fifth cen-tury BC the Chinese built the 4,000-mile long Great Wall tokeep invaders out. But eventually it was breached. AncientSmyrna constructed what many thought was an impregnablewall. It wasn’t. Eventually it was compromised. Hitler had his“Eagle’s Nest” in the heights of the Alps near Berchtesgaden,but today only the foundation of the building remains. Youfind the ruins of these dilapidated strongholds at the entranceto harbors, in mountains, and in the ruins of ancient cities.

Today, in this age of nuclear warfare, we still haven’t givenup on building strongholds or fortresses. They are simplyburied in the heart of the earth, based on the presumption

that there people can be safe. Yet David discovered long agothat the safety of a man-made stronghold could eventually becompromised and the only true refuge from the enemy wasGod Himself.

He wrote, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a strong-hold in times of trouble. Those who know your name willtrust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those whoseek you” (Psalm 9:9).

The psalmist learned from experience that God alonecan be trusted. He added, “The LORD is my rock, my fortressand my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”(Psalm 18:2).

When dark clouds appear in the sky, your stronghold iscompromised, and your world falls apart. Do you run to Jesuswith all your might, or do you run from Him, blaming Himfor what has happened to you?

A friend had to answer this question when her husbandwas dying of an inoperable cancer. She had to either flee tothe open arms of her Savior or turn and run away. Was shetempted to turn her back on what she knew was the rightthing to do? She wrote,

I have been tempted to just run away, pretendnothing is going on, take my credit card and justdrive to escape. Or maybe I can lash out at thosearound me . . . Or eat until I can’t eat anymore . . . Orgo somewhere where nobody knows my name, andbuy whiskey and go down that back road—just toforget for a while. Or lock my doors, go to bed, andliterally pull the covers over my head—indefinitely!Or even drive my car off a cliff just so this problemwill go away, and let someone else deal with it. Manythings have crossed my mind.

But, no, she did none of these things. Rather she took thesefleeting thoughts to the foot of the cross and left them with acompassionate Savior, adding, “I don’t know how anyone

could get through this without the strength of the Living God.The pain by itself is unbearable. The future is terrifying anduncertain. The present is a living nightmare. But God is Good!I know my Redeemer lives, and ever lives to intercede—forme!”

She learned what the prophet Nahum discovered whenhis world was falling apart, “The LORD is good, a strongholdin the day of trouble. And He knows those who take refuge inHim” (Nahum 1:7 ESV).

Don’t wait until your world is falling apart to take refugein the only real stronghold. Do it day by day! Finding Refugeand Strength is what this book is about. He is the only abso-lute security you will ever have in this fragile, uncertain world.

Before you lies a new and uncharted year

with surprises and challenges.

Realize, though, that nothing

takes God by surprise.

He knows what each day holds for you.

Walk with Him in pain and pleasure.

When storms buffet you or difficulty

knocks at your door,

Run to Him for refuge, for shelter, and for help.

The LORD also will be a refugefor the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.PSALM 9:9 NKJV

JANUARY

The New Year

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; hewill never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; donot be discouraged.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY of the year and it’s quite scary staringanother year in the face. Looking back we think, “What hap-pened to the resolutions we made a year ago?”

Looking ahead, we have hopes that things will be better,yet sometimes our hopes are laced with cynicism. What if wejust see a rerun of the past?

But we should remember this: Nothing will happen to usthis year that is unknown to our Heavenly Father. Nothingwill come as a surprise to God—whether it is about nationsat war or the personal struggles we face. He knows.

Have you ever seen a young child and his father go for anearly evening walk? As long as there was light, the son ranahead of his father, playing and not thinking of him. Yet assoon as the darkness closed in, he would run back and reachfor his daddy’s big hand.

Just like the young child trusting his father, yield yourfuture to Him who holds the future. Instead of stubbornlyholding out for what you want, start praying, “Lord, haveYour way in my life.”

God’s grace is ladled out on a daily basis—just for today.Corrie ten Boom often said her father never gave her theticket until it was time to board the train. That’s how Goddispenses His grace—just enough for today. He knows whatyou need far better than you do. You can count on the faith-fulness of the Lord no matter what life brings.

January 1

Promises for the New Year

Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and myangel will go before you. However, when the time comesfor me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.

EXODUS 32:34

SUPPOSE THAT WHEN YOU WOKE up today an angel stoodbefore you and said: “The LORD himself goes before you andwill be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Donot be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).Would you be afraid to face the new year?

Those words were actually spoken by Joshua to God’speople as they prepared to cross the Jordan. We, too, canclaim the promises contained in this verse:PROMISE 1: The Lord goes before you. All you have to do is stay

close enough to walk in His footsteps. It’s like followingsomeone who carries a torch through a dungeon. Stayclose and you won’t stumble, but lag behind and you arequickly engulfed in darkness.

PROMISE 2: The Lord will be with you. Would you hesitate toface your problems if you knew the Lord was with you?Even if you’re facing a Goliath, one plus God makes amajority.

PROMISE 3: The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you. AsJesus walked up the Mount of Olives for the last time Hesaid, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of theage.”

We usually fear what we don’t understand, but God istelling us as we face the unknown: “Do not be afraid and donot be discouraged.” Where are you in relation to thispassage in Deuteronomy? Write your name next to the verseand say, “As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord nomatter what this year brings.”

January 2

January 3

A New Year Lifestyle

Elijah was a man just like us.JAMES 5:17

I LIKE WHAT JAMES SAID! Imagine, Elijah, the prophet, “justlike us!” He had his ups and downs and God used him. Hecan use you, too. Interested in developing a lifestyle that ispeaceful and fulfilled? Here are eight steps that can make adifference:1 Let God direct your course. This was the motto of Oswald

Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest. Don’tmake God your co-pilot. Instead, let Him take over thecontrols.

2 Simplify. You don’t have to have the latest PDA, iPod orlaptop. Clean out the closet and garage, delete your un-wanted e-mails, and throw away the pile of magazinesyou will never read.

3 Pull the plug on distractions. It’s a noisy world. Turn offthe phone for dinner or try leaving the TV unplugged for24 hours.

4 Turn your assets over to God. If you really believe whatyou have is a gift from God, sign it over to Him and askHim how you can use it wisely.

5 Get out of yourself. Count the number of times you say,“I”, “me”, or “my” in a conversation. Then stop talkingand start listening.

6 Touch someone’s life. Baby-sit. Volunteer at an orphanage.Visit a convalescent home. Write a check for a charity.Take a meal to a sick neighbor. Do something.

7 Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember, it’s all small stuff.Trust and don’t worry, just for today.

8 Give up anger and thoughts of revenge. They are killers.God’s big enough to handle the person who wronged you.

Follow these eight steps and pursue a lifestyle that isgenuine and meaningful.

January 4

Strongholds

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.NAHUM 1:7 NKJV

VISIT CORREGIDOR IN THE PHILIPPINES, and you will find adeep tunnel. Originally built to store arms and ammunition,Malinta Tunnel was also a stronghold that bombs of the en-emy couldn’t penetrate. It served as a haven for woundedsoldiers and as headquarters for General MacArthur.

Strongholds are important because they provide protec-tion. They allow you to sleep at night without fear for yoursafety.

When David was a fugitive from Saul, he hid in strong-holds in the desert. He learned that safety is not the absenceof danger, but the presence of the Lord.

Repeatedly he referred to the Lord as his fortress. In Psalm18 he wrote, “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is myrock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, inwhom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:1–2).

You will never understand that God is a refuge until yourun to Him and throw yourself upon His mercy, until youpound on His door and say, “Take me in. I need Your protec-tion and help!” Yet far too many stand outside the door think-ing, “I can handle this on my own.” If someone were chasingyou with a weapon, and he was getting closer, would youstand outside the fortress and wonder if it was strong enoughto protect you?

You may be thinking, “Having God as a fortress workedfor David, but I’m not sure it’ll work for me!” How would youknow unless you try? I’ve never heard anyone say, “I threwmyself upon the Lord and He closed the door of help in myface.”

Need a refuge? Most earthly strongholds have massivedoors and can be entered by walking. The refuge God pro-vides is entered by kneeling.

January 5

Taking Your Emotions Outon Your Family

And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scoldingand nagging your children, making them angry and re-sentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline theLord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.

EPHESIANS 6:4

A MANAGER COMPLAINED, “I just can’t seem to leave mystress at work. I come home angry and take out my emotionson my family. What can I do?” Here are some guidelines tomake your home a place of refuge and safety.GUIDELINE 1: Get your values straight. Your family is forever;

your job is not. There’s an issue of fairness that comesinto the picture. You can’t take out your hostilities onyour boss (or at least, it isn’t a good idea to try), so whatright do you have to inflict them upon the innocent mem-bers of your family?

GUIDELINE 2: Love your family more than you dislike your bossor fellow workers. Is your love for your husband or wifenot stronger than your dislike of a job situation?

GUIDELINE 3: Tell your emotions where to get off. Leave yourfeelings of unrest and irritation at work. Don’t pack themin your briefcase for you to take out at home. Sometimessaying, “Look, I’m not upset with you. I’ve had a hard dayat the office” helps you clear the air and release whatannoys you.

GUIDELINE 4: Be your own person. Nobody can make you loseyour cool unless you allow others to take it from you. Ifyou have detractors at work, view them with pity andpray for them.

GUIDELINE 5: Look for another job when all else fails. Your kidswould rather have less money and enjoy a parent whosmiles and laughs than have more money and have youreact like drops of water on a hot skillet.