Refuge

“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9

The meaning of the word “refuge” is “A high place, a stronghold, a defense.” David certainly understood the need for and value of a refuge. He had, on many occasions, needed to find refuge from his enemies. A hiding place to find safety and shelter.

When we have conferences at my place of work, the first thing that has to be done is to show all participants where the shelters are in case of storms and where to go in case of fires. It is very important to know where the shelter is. As God’s people, we have a shelter, and sometimes we need to be reminded where or refuge really is. Going to the wrong shelter could be dangerous.

We find in our God, a place of refuge. First, He provides us a refuge from His wrath. The blood of Jesus covers us and provides salvation from God’s wrath. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9. “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1Thessalonians 1:10. What a place of refuge for us.

As God’s children, He provides a refuge for our soul. When the world begins to overwhelm us, we have a place of refuge to go to. “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.” Psalm 57:1. “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto [my] soul.” Psalm 69:1. None of us is immune to the pressures and cares of this life, but we need not be completely overwhelmed by them. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

God also provides a refuge for our minds. Satan is always attacking our minds. Whether it be through the things we see and hear around us, or just things that he puts into our thinking. We need to be constantly sheltered in God’s refuge. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:6-7

More and more, we need our minds to be guarded, and we will find that in God’s Word. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. Our minds need to be renewed continually through God’s Word.

As we consider our great refuge in our God, let us not be lax in praising Him for His strength, shelter and care. “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.” Psalm 59:16. He  is worthy of all praise and honor and glory.
Gordon Crook