God Gives Refuge

In a deeply personal sermon titled 'God Gives Refuge,' Pastor Joanne Johnson confronts the painful realities of aging, loss, and caregiving within the Mount Hope UMC church family. Drawing from her experience as a chaplain in hospice care, she reveals how being present—simply showing up with quiet empathy—became a sacred act of ministry. She shares a pivotal moment in her training when a seasoned chaplain told her, 'Take God with you. You are not to do it alone,' transforming her approach from performance anxiety to spiritual surrender. This insight anchors her reflection on Psalm 18, where David declares God his refuge despite his own failures, including adultery and murder. The sermon challenges listeners to embrace doubt, fear, and grief not as signs of weak faith, but as invitations to lean harder on God. Johnson emphasizes that faith isn't about having all the answers, but about trusting that God is with us in the sacred spaces of suffering—whether in hospital rooms, family homes, or moments of spiritual questioning. Holy Communion becomes a tangible reminder: we come to the table not as perfect people, but as sinners in need of a Savior, and God is our refuge in every season. The core message is radical yet simple: you don’t have to be strong to be faithful. You only need to be present—physically, emotionally, spiritually—with God.