You may have a place you plop down when you need to think or a location you frequent to get away. Life is demanding, and space is required to rest, reflect, and recover.
I have a number of quiet spaces—“happy places” if you will, which God uses to cleanse my mind and heal my heart. Time in His presence renews my energy to live for Him.
God is known by countless names and assumes numerous roles in the believer’s life. He is a sun and shield, a rock and fortress, a fountain and river. Out of them all, though, I’ve recently been thankful for God as a refuge.
He is a shelter, a hideaway, a covering. When I hurt, I run to Him. When I rejoice, I dance toward Him. When I wonder, I come to Him. He is safe, strong, and steadfast.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; You save me from violence.” – 2 Samuel 22:3
His embrace is comforting, His hand is gentle, and His arm is mighty. God of the nations is King of my heart, and He will not fail me.
“For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” – Isaiah 25:4
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.” – Psalm 37:39-40
The presence of the Lord God is refreshing, like the cool of a garden. He lovingly walks among His people and dwells in their midst.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3
Everything God says will come to pass. Everything God does will be completed.
“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” – Isaiah 14:27
The whole world could fall apart, but most assuredly, mine won’t … for I take refuge in God.
