In an earlier post, I asked you where you go for peace and quiet after a hard day's work. If you didn't stop and think about my question then, I hope you will consider it now. 

Refuge. Where is your place of rest? How do you find peace? Who do you run to? 

Maybe you go to the comfort of your wife or husband. Or maybe you run home to your mom or dad. Perhaps you seek refuge with a friend. Or maybe you escape to the internet or even in a bottle. 

Relationships. In Mark 16: 30, we observe the disciples returning to Jesus after their ministry work. I'm not sure about what other connections the disciples had in life, but their relationship with Jesus seemed to take priority. 

Why do you think the disciples returned to Jesus? What did He have to offer them that they couldn't find somewhere else? 

Reality. No offense intended to any of my loved ones, but I've discovered that no human being can provide everything that I need. Maybe I'm too high-maintenance, but I've never found anyone on this earth that can meet all of my needs. 

When I try to put all of my expectations in someone else, I just end up disappointed and frustrate us both. This might sound a little negative. But I found my relationships improve when I let go of my expectations. And when I find myself frustrated with someone, it's usually because I'm expecting more from them than they can provide. 

So, who can we trust to provide our needs? [I didn't say our "wants."] 

Riches. In Philippians 4:19, Paul tell us that "God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." 

I'm standing on that promise!

Photo/JenniJordan

What needs do you have today? Who will you run to for help?