Introduction:

Don't believe everything you read - especially if it comes to you in an email. For instance, I recently received an email that claimed that Psalm 118:8 is the exact middle verse of the Bible. The junk mail asserted that if you counted up all the chapters in the Bible, Psalm 118 was the middle chapter and verse 8 was the middle verse of that chapter. Then the email alleged that God planned it this way because this verse was so important in describing God's will for our lives. Look again at the verse, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." That sounded pretty cool.

When I noticed that we were singing Psalm 118 today and thought it was perfect. I would write a sermon on it. But then I gave it a second thought. I decided I would check on the facts. I counted up all the chapters of the Bible. Then I divided them. Lo and behold, I discovered that the email was wrong. Psalm 117 was actually the center chapter of the Bible. There is some irony there though because the verse warns us not to trust in man.

Even though this verse is not the exact center of the Bible, it still is extremely important for describing God's will for our lives. The email had that much right. We are reminded that God knows what is better for you. So let's take refuge in Him and not put our trust in man.

1. Take refuge in Him

The dictionary defines the word refuge as "1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship. 2.A place providing protection or shelter. 3. A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble."

Where do you go for refuge? Some people run to old sinful habits for shelter. When times get tough, do you turn to alcohol? When you need relief from life, do you jump into a sexual relationship that is not God-pleasing? When you are uncomfortable with your life, do gossip about others so that you feel better about yourself? These destructive tendencies can make people feel numb to their troubles. They become emotional shelters to the pain they are feeling.

Others seek refuge in self-pity? Feeling sorry for yourself becomes a warm blanket that you can wrap around yourself. This is awfully deceptive because self-pity never really gives you relief. Others hide in anger and spite when facing difficulties. Have you ever found yourself lashing out at others because you don't have peace in your life? Has that chip on your shoulder become your refuge in the storm of life?

True help, relief, or comfort is never found in man's hiding places. We can hide for a while in the sins of our flesh, self-pity, and anger. In reality though, these fake refuges just give us a false sense of security. At the end of the day, our consciences will still point out the problem - sin. If we insist on seeking help, comfort, and relief from man's solutions, we will only burden ourselves even more.

The Israelites found this out the hard way. God's chosen people continuously chased after idols and sins of the flesh for comfort. They received no peace from these things. The New Testament Pharisees and Jewish leaders also fell into this trap. They expected comfort from the fact that they were such good people. They expected peace just because they were descendants of Abraham. But in the end, true help, relief, and comfort escaped them.

True refuge will escape us also if we are reliant on anything but God. Only the disgrace of sin and impending doom of hell will be waiting for us.

And so God's Word speaks to us today. "It is better to take refuge in the LORD..." Flee to the LORD today for help, comfort, and relief! Do you think there is anything you are dealing with that God doesn't understand? He knows our problems. He knows our pains. He knows our sins.

God doesn't expect us to come up with solutions on our own. The LORD does not leave us to fight the battle all by ourselves. On the contrary, the Lord, Jesus Christ, came to earth and fought the battle for us. His perfect life fulfilled the demand that God had for us. Jesus shed his blood on the cross to bring peace to our troubled lives. Jesus gives us true relief through the forgiveness of sins, offered to us as free gift. The gospel of the Risen Savior gives us true refuge in this troubled life.

Christ protects us from our enemies and he gives us eternal security. We have the sure confidence that no matter the struggle here on earth, we can pay it no mind because Jesus has saved us and Jesus is preparing a place for us heaven. That is everything that we need. Take refuge in the LORD.

Transition:

That email I received was not very trustworthy. And it is important for us to remember that there are many things in this world that are not trustworthy. But God's Word is reliable. That is why Psalm 118:8 is so important for our daily life. It reminds us of God's all-important will for our lives. "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man."

2. Don't trust in man

Don't put your trust in man or the things of this world. If you have in the past, ask yourself this very important question, "Has it worked?" When you have chased after sinful habits, wallowed in self-pity, or carried that huge chip on your shoulder, has that worked. Did you find lasting comfort, peace, or relief? The answer is "No."

Today, then, is the time to act. God only gives you so many days on earth. Don't waste them on putting your trust in man and his ways. Act now.

Now is the time to evaluate. What are the problems in your life? Ask yourself that question right now. Do you trust that God can pull you through these difficult problems? Do you continually take your problems to the Lord in prayer? Do you really listen to the Word of God so that you can hear the comfort of forgiveness? Do you heed the commands of God which give you refuge in this dark world?

Now is also the time to change. It is one thing to recognize the difficulties you face in life. It is a whole other thing to take refuge in God. If you have been putting your trust in man and the things of this world to help, repent! If you have not been trusting God for help, relief, and comfort, now is the time to change. Quit coasting through life thinking your way is the best way. God knows what is better for you. Don't trust in man. It is time to change - today.

I hear it all the time. "Pastor, I am so stressed out. I have so much on my plate. I don't know if I am coming or going." Well then, simplify your life. Strip away all the distractions that move God away from the center of your life. Make LORD your refuge - not your work, not your homes, not your toys, not the people around you. All the things of man will never give you lasting peace. Ask yourself, "Has my way worked? Do I feel better? Do I have peace?"

If you don't have peace in your life, get rid of all the distractions of man. Give them up. Some of you are thinking this is impossible. Oh, really? The Bible tells us that nothing is impossible with God. Let God help you. He knows what is better for you. Take refuge in Him. He has removed your guilt. He offers you eternal life in heaven. He has given you a purpose for life. It is time to change. I challenge you to do it today. AMEN.