A refuge is a place of safety, a place of protection, a place of security. When “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), three wondrous blessings are enjoyed:
- Freedom from fear. “Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:2-3). Biblically-speaking, peace is not the absence of conflict, it is calm while in it. It is knowing that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4), because Jesus triumphantly declared, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
- Boldness in conflict. “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High, God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:4-7). “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
- Divine deliverance. “Come, behold the works of the Lord Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire” (Psalm 46:8-9).
To enjoy these blessings, we must “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:10-11).
Are you a spiritual refugee?
