For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. – Isaiah 25:4
One of my favorite hymns has always been Rock of Ages. When someone would ask me my favorite hymn or gospel song, that was always my answer and it has been since my teenage years. Our world is constantly in turmoil. There are wars, unrest, political divisions, natural disasters, and the list goes on. The world looks bleak. However, we have a refuge in God.
I think of all the scenes throughout my life where I’ve seen people run to a refuge. Storms are the one that comes to mind most often. I think of Hurricane Katrina where people fled to the Superdome in New Orleans for protection. I’ve seen countless tornados across the United States and if you’ve ever lived in an area with those types of storms you are familiar with a specific warning that comes across the TV or your phone. “Warning, seek shelter immediately!”
Now, I’m sure we all know some people who get those warnings and run outside to look for the storm instead of taking shelter. In reality, if there were immediate signs of danger; I don’t know of a single person who wouldn’t run for cover to save their life! The thing is, do we realize the Bible is full of messages saying “Warning, seek shelter immediately”?
In this life, we face spiritual attacks, temptation, doubts, fears, depression, anxiety, self-doubt, mental health disorders, financial recessions, wars, racial tensions, political unrest, and scandals, and I’m sure we could all add more to this list. We are constantly seeing things that are a danger to us or those around us. So I have to ask, what do you do when these dangers arise?
For some people, they run to alcohol or drugs to escape their reality and forget what they are facing. Some may scroll social media endlessly and imagine their life being better than it is. Anything to escape and avoid what is difficult in life has to be better than facing it, right? The problem is, so often we forget and neglect our biggest defense against all of these things. We forget that we have a refuge in God!
God is described in scripture as a rock, a fortress, a firm foundation, a refuge, a shelter, and a resting place. We don’t have to run to any number of things to find safety, we just have to take refuge in God. God even said “I will never leave you nor forsake you” in Joshua 1:5. Our refuge is here, always present, always ready and able to help.
Imagine for whatever disaster that comes physically if you had the physical refuge for that. A storm shelter for storms, a boat for flooding, a fire department across the street in case of a fire, police department beside them in case of a robber, and 24/7 security around your home. That is how God is for us spiritually. Always present, always around, and has the answer for any and all of our needs.
We never have to face the trials of life alone if we are believers and following God. There is a shelter from the storms, a defense against attacks, and a fortress to hide in. That is God, our Refuge. Isaiah wrote in the verse for this study how God was his refuge. The Psalms are full of examples of God being a refuge.
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. – Psalm 9:9
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. – Psalm 91:2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. – Psalm 94:22
So when you are feeling the pressure, attacks, or struggles. Look to God, our Refuge. Seek His protection and help from the storms of life.
Author Nick Dyson is the host of the Modern Age Christian Podcast.