He is my loving God and my fortress . . . my shield, in whom I take refuge. (Ps. 144:2)

PSYCHICS, HOROSCOPES, ESSENTIAL OILS, yoga, meditation, medication, life coaches, energy drinks, Zen gardens, and massages—what do all of these have in common? These are just a few of the fixes we sometimes seek or rely upon to help us feel better in or cope with everyday life. Some are perfectly acceptable methods for bettering one’s health and wellness; others, not so much. None is going to do the trick alone.

David proclaimed how blessed the followers of God are. He rejoiced in the love he found in Him and wondered why God would love us as He does. Knowing that he was so frail and inferior, David was even more grateful for the protection God provided him.

It is tempting to falter and put our trust in something or someone we think might bring us satisfaction or success, especially in a world where those are hard to find or even define. But, given time, we always find that the new tool is a temporary relief and will not spare or deliver us from life’s woes. That’s what David wanted us to know.

David knew that nothing would provide the sanctuary and peace he needed except his relationship with God. So while fruit smoothies and organic meat are great, they won’t give us the heart health we can find only in Him.

List three ways God provides for you.

Hally Franz is a high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom. She enjoys being a 4-H leader, church secretary, book club member, and traveler.

© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.