Refuge

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
—Psalm 18:1-3

Our God is a God of many names: The Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Comforter, Our Provider, Our Healer, Lord of Hosts, and the list goes on. Some names describe God’s majesty, others his beauty, others address the character of God, and still others describe the way God acts on our behalf. Of all the names I have heard for God, there is one that resonates deeply in my soul each time I hear it — "Refuge." The Lord is my refuge!

I know all about refuge from growing up in the panhandle of Texas. When the sky turned green we would all head for the shelter to wait out the storm. It was small, dark, and damp, but it was safe.

I know all about refuge from the time I spent studying abroad in Bulgaria. When the bombs started dropping on Serbia and Kosovo, many Americans in the region were evacuated to the town in which I lived, nestled in the mountains away from the conflict.

I know all about refuge, I have weathered bigger storms than the panhandle could throw my way — some storms brought on by my own sin, some storms over which I had no influence. Through all the noise, in all the tumult, when no outcome looked pleasant, and nothing was certain, I was able to stand, because my refuge was in God. I have survived wars much closer than Kosovo. With battle lines drawn, and the crosshairs on me, when I faced the destruction of my hopes and dreams, I experienced peace because I had taken refuge in God.

Today, most of us could name our storm or war without a second thought. Our storms are as different as we are. They are unemployment, foreclosure, relational conflict, lawsuits, health issues, ailing family members, consequences to our actions, consequences of other’s actions that have swallowed us as well. These storms and wars rage on, often with no end in sight. But there is hope! Our God is a rock, he is our salvation and fortress! When we take refuge in God we will not be shaken!

Homework this week: meditate on Psalm 18:1-3

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