Life As Worship

Trusting God: Our Rock and Refuge

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Have you ever felt like life was hitting you like a hurricane? Did you long for something solid to stand upon or a refuge to run to?

Author and travel enthusiast Shelley Picard joins Angela for a vibrant, hope-filled conversation anchored in Psalm 18:2—“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…” Shelley shares how, after a traumatic brain injury, God became her true refuge and deliverer—not just in theory, but in daily, practical, sometimes messy reality. This episode lights the way for anyone longing to “choose happy” and live out their God-given purpose, no matter life’s unexpected detours.

Episode Highlights

  • Angela and Shelly unpack the psalm’s rich background—a song of victory and gratitude written by David after deliverance from enemies and the hand of Saul, filled with big emotions, honesty, and worship.
  • The “horn of salvation”—a symbol of strength, power, and divine anointing.
  • Practical Wisdom: They explore the difference between simply knowing about God as refuge and actually crawling into that “cave” of safety—how authentic worship and trust begin by recognizing our dependence, not performance.
  • Shelly shares her story of falling, brain injury, and year-long rehabilitation. God stripped away her self-reliance and old identity, taught her new dependence, and awakened her to deeper ministry and joy alongside her husband, family, and community.

    • Great Quotes

    • “Every person walking the face of this earth is looking for joy … I choose to look for God’s joy in the day.”
    • “It’s not just that He’ll take care of you; you truly physically, emotionally, and spiritually feel His care.”
    • “I knew that He’d brought me to this, even if I didn’t understand it, and He was going to ride it with me all the way through.”
    • “God will never ask you to do something alone. Nothing He calls you to is ever without His presence and power.”
    • “If we’re not fulfilling our fullest role in Christ’s kingdom, the body is weaker … Ask Him, What next, Lord?—then step out in joy.”

      • Resources Mentioned

      • Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:2
      • Website: shelleypicard.com
      • Email: [email protected]
      • Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18

        • Related Episodes

        • Ep. 21: “Held in His Hand” (Kelly Hall)
        • Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna)
        • Ep. 27: “When Your World Ends: Beginning Again with God” (Dawn Mann Sanders)

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          Life As WorshipBy Angela Mackey