Refuge

Trouble has landed on my doorstep, O God; refusing to leave.
I should have seen it coming. It's breath smells like vinegar...

It insists on making visitation,
seeking my purchase of upset and worry.
I stare Trouble in the face... only to get smoke in the eyes...

It will offer a huge discount on quietude...
for only the smallest investment of self-pity.
Today's special is double trouble,
Hard Times and Misery, thrown in at no extra charge...

I look everywhere, but no man knows me:
refuge is failing me; for no man cares for my soul.
I cry out to You, O LORD saying:
You are my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
(Psalm 142:4-5)

I pour out my heart before You God,
desperate for an answer;
I place all my trust in Your unfailing love,
for You alone are my shelter,
You alone are my high tower,
You alone are my refuge (Psalm 62:8)
... a very present help in trouble... (Psalm 46:1)

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me:
for my soul trusts in You:
yes, in the shadow of Your wings I make my refuge,
until these calamities are gone... (Psalm 57:1)

God of my comfort, You are my strength,
You alone are my refuge from the storm,
my shadow from the heat,
my strong covering of consolation.
I have run to You to take hold of the hope You offer me...
(Isaiah 25:4, Hebrews 6:18)

You alone, LORD, are my defense,
and the rock of my refuge. (Psalm 94:22)
I am holding on to You for dear life. (Psalm 91:14)

You answered my cry for help!
You sent them packing; they couldn't face You... (Psalm 21:12)

Yes, God, You are my sanctuary, my solace,
my safe place and impregnable fortress;
I trust in You implicitly.
Your fingerprints are all over my life...
You have always been faithful to me. (Psalm 91:2)