“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 ESV
We all need a place of refuge at times. In those times…
- When the burdens of life overwhelm and threaten to pull us under.
- When the schedule has become exhausting and unsustainable.
- When demands have drained our every resource.
- When mental, physical, and emotional pain join to attack with debilitating force.
- When the aching heart seems too broken for repair, and mountainsize problems seem unscalable and unsolvable.
- When you feel you’re in the battle alone.
- When Hope is nowhere in sight.
You need a refuge.
Refuge comes in many flavors. Sometimes, it comes literally, in the form of favorite foods, sweet delights, or maybe inebriating libations or mood-altering drugs—anything that will temporarily lessen the pains and offer brief moments of manufactured joy.
For others, the metaphorical flavors of refuge run the gamut from a location change (an attempt to run away from problems) to new (often unhealthy) relationships in hopes of distraction, or to isolation and withdrawal.
Still others will pour themselves into even more projects and obligations, which will quickly deplete whatever scraps of energy remain.
A poorly chosen refuge leaves you weaker and less able to cope and find hope in your situation. The wrong refuge can lead to greater dependence on hopes and promises built on lies.
“We have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.” Isaiah 28:15 ESV
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9 ESV
The Psalmist and King of Israel learned early on where to find refuge in life’s mean moments. 2 Samuel 22* records one of King David’s many prayers that speaks to his refuge and his Rescuer.
“2He[ David] said, “The LORD is my Rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 3my God, my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.
4I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” – 2 Samuel 22:1-4
(*Psalm 18 also records this psalm of David.)
David goes on to say that not only does God rescue and provide refuge for His children, but He also prepares us for future battles. In or through all of those seemingly insurmountable problems, pains, and trials that overwhelm and cause such heartache, God will give us the strength and wherewithal to deal with each of those issues in a way that brings peace to our hearts and minds, and glorifies God.
In God’s refuge, we are readied for the next battle—the next faith-testing challenge. The Holy Spirit is the “Great Equipper” of the Christ-follower. This passage in 2 Samuel 22 lists some of the ways that He equips us for the challenges and battles of life:
- He reminds us that God is trustworthy and true in all things. (v. 31)
- He trains us for “war” through the truth of His Word—it is our sword in the battle. (v.31, 35)
- He gives us strength in the battles. (v.35, 40)
- Faith and salvation—both gifts of God—are our shield and protection. (v. 36)
- He keeps us steadfast, firm, and upright when the battlefield gets steep and treacherous (v.37)
- He gives us victory over our enemies—self, sin, and Satan. (v. 38, 39)
I’m not saying God snaps His fingers and “voila,” all of our problems are gone. But God’s Holy Spirit, Who resides in every believer, will guide, empower, and encourage us each step of the way as we walk through the trials, challenges, and hard times.
When we call out to God in times of need and seek refuge in Him, we grow stronger in our faith and relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit and God’s Word continue to nurture and equip us for the next battle—and the next battle—and the next.
“This God—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30 ESV
Friend, where do you find refuge in difficult times?
Are you trusting God to be your Rescuer and your Refuge?
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalm 57:1 ESV