Where Is Your Refuge?

Excerpt from an article I wrote for Machias Valley Baptist Church:

Psalm 46:1-2a 

Have you ever been through a season when it seems every area of your life is filled with conflict or trouble? Several years ago, I found myself living through a time like this, and during that season, my home became a treasured place of refuge. In those times, there certainly is “no place like home.”

One day during that season, I stood at my kitchen sink and was thankful to be doing the simple task of washing dishes in my quiet, safe home. I’m sure you love your home too. Our homes are safe and secure. It is where we rest. In our homes, we are loved and cared for. We are nourished with good food. In our homes, we can just be. That day as I washed the dishes, the Holy Spirit reminded me of these verses from Psalm 46:1-2a (NIV):

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”

I love home because it is a refuge for me – a place of shelter and safety from danger and trouble. But in Psalm 46, God is saying that He is our refuge. The picture of God as our refuge expands as we read Moses’ parting blessing to Israel in Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV):

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” 

The word for refuge here means a dwelling place or habitation. In Psalm 46, the word carries more the idea of shelter from danger or storm. The word “home” encompasses all those things. God is describing Himself to us. He is shelter from the storms of life, He is safety from those who would do us harm, and He is our dwelling place.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash