Take Refuge in Him!

November 13, 2024

There are times when you just need a break.

This week’s photo was taken on a trip to the northeast. I stood inside the covered bridge, rested my elbows on the timbers, and looked out across the stream. The fall foliage and restful sounds of the water relaxed me. The location was a place of refuge. A place where I was sheltered for a few minutes from the stress of other things in my life.

Maybe you’ve had a long week and even though you haven’t completed all the things on your to-do list, you realize you’ll never get there unless you take a moment. Or could be you’ve had a very productive few days and want to just unwind. Maybe you need a place or a time where you need to go to re-energize.

But in what or whom do we seek our refuge?

The word refuge means “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. Our danger, trouble, or pursuer could be any of the things I’ve already mentioned, or they could be a serious threat to our lives.

If we are seeking refuge from something minor, then we may choose one kind of refuge. For instance, we may rely on a glitzy resort where we can be pampered and spoiled for a while. Or we may retreat into the mountains (kind of like I like to do at times) to just get away from it all? Maybe we find a person with whom we can spend time with while we decompress?

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The Bible reminds us of the importance of refuge.

In Psalm 34, David has just been delivered from the Philistines at Gath. This a pretty interesting story in itself. You can read about here in 1 Samuel 22:10-15. After he is delivered, he praised the Lord. In this psalm he invites others to join him in celebrating and singing praises to God.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8, NIV)

We have hope in knowing there is One who is always there for us.

David’s refuge was God. Our refuge can be God. He is always there, and He always knows exactly what we are going through. He is a God of comfort and healing. He is the best refuge from minor or major life circumstances.

My prayer is that you give David’s suggestion a change. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Be blessed by taking refuge in Him.