Refuge

O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, Psalm 7:1

    The Psalmist begins by telling us that God is his covering, his safety, his shelter from harm.  The word “refuge” is found over 100 times within Scripture, almost half of those with the book of Psalms, which means it can be an easy term to run past.  Once again, though, we find the Psalmist in a season of trial, so he begins his thoughts about his current state by declaring that God is his refuge.  He is saying that God is the One who protects him in his time of distress.  God is his covering and his shield.  It is with God that he feels secure!  The Psalmist knows that God is sovereign and rules over all things, so in His presence there is no need for worry or concern.  Knowing that he belongs to God allows him to find security in His presence.  

    The idea of refuge brings to mind the great hymn by Augustus Toplady, “Rock Of Ages.”  In this hymn Toplady writes, “Rock of Ages cleft me, let me hide myself in Thee.”  Just as the Psalmist found refuge in his Creator, we now find refuge in our Savior who shed His blood on our behalf.  Jesus is now our refuge in whom we find salvation, reconciliation with a Holy God and adoption into the very family of God.  Knowing this great Gospel truth allows us to stand firm in the mightiest of storms because we are assured that we are safe in our Savior’s presence.  We are safe from the wrath of God, safe from the storms of life, safe from those who may try and break us.  The security that comes from hiding ourselves in the arms of Jesus brings us a security that surpasses all earthly understanding.  Daily we must be reminded that Jesus is our Rock and it is in Him alone that we are to find our refuge and safety.  Daily we must be reminded that “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”  This is our refuge from all harm, so let us hold fast to the cross, rising ourselves in the refuge of our Savior!  

PRAYER OF THE DAY: God, thank you that You sent Your Son to be our refuge.  Help me to hold on more tightly to the cross, being assured of my safety in Him.