Refuge. A safe place where you can breathe a sigh of relief from the storm. A shelter or protection from danger or distress.
Often we need protection from the storms we face in daily life, a place where we can regroup in the whirlwind of unexpected trials. A place where we can once again find hope.
One way to regain a solid footing during such times is to seek the refuge of God. God is portrayed as a refuge for His people throughout the Bible. This is not a specific geographic place, but rather an inner sanctuary where you rest in the presence and love of God.
God is both our refuge and hope.
The main concept of the Hebrew word for “refuge” is security.
During difficult times my heart longs for the comfort and security of God’s assurance and love. The psalmist David refers to God as a shelter in several psalms.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:1-2 NIV
The dwelling place is a shelter of refuge and safety in the presence of God.
We can run to the refuge in uncertain times, finding restoration and replenishment of emotional and spiritual strength that comes only from God.
When hope wanes, we can seek the comfort and security of God. When we rest in the refuge of God’s love, we regain hope. Do you have health problems? Financial issues? Relationship challenges? Come to the tender protection of God to find hope. Let your heart soak in these words.
Verses of Refuge
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7 NIV
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NIV
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 NIV
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:11 NIV
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:28 NIV
Remember playing tag and having a refuge of home base? It was the place where you were safe. You couldn’t be tagged ‘it.’ Home base was a refuge of security for the fast ones who got there first. Sometimes the slow ones hung out there for safety. Regardless, it was a place to breathe a sigh of relief.
I’m praying you are regrouped with hope at the home base refuge of the shelter of God.
Aduke Schulist
What an inspiring post. It is sometimes too easy to feel defeated, broken, and torn down, but God restores us and our happiness and peace when we remember to take refuge in Him.
Nancy Kay Grace
I’m glad you’re encouraged and inspired. What a blessing to have God as our refuge! Thanks for stopping by!