The Refuge of the Lord
People seek refuge in many things in the world that only leaves them feeling empty and hopeless inside. Many have sought refuge in drugs, in food, in alcohol, in material possessions, in ambition, in fame, and in people and have ultimately been bitterly disappointed with the outcome. Read the book of Ecclesiastes and hear Solomon declare the utter futility of seeking refuge in anything but God.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (KJV):
I have seen all the works that are done under the
sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
The phrase “under the sun” is only used in Ecclesiastes and occurs 29 times. It refers to all that is connected with earthly things of man apart from God. It is a life without God with the sole emphasis on the works of man. The word “vanity” means: that which soon vanishes, that which is empty and passing, a breath or vapor which soon vanishes forever, a complete nothingness, and an utter meaninglessness. Vexation means: a feeding on the wind and a chasing after the wind. Every work and every refuge outside of the one true God is completely empty and meaningless, like a vapor that appears for a fleeting second and then vanishes. All works that simply glorify human nature and leave the Lord out of the picture are as futile as chasing the wind. A person will be wandering aimlessly in a vast wilderness of emptiness without first seeking God as the refuge and purpose of their life. No matter how smart, rich, or beautiful you are, you need the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, as without him you will never escape the futility and fleeting emptiness of the works of man. Psalm 39:5 boldly states, “Every man in His best state is altogether vanity.” Without God, your life is a complete waste! You will never reach your full potential and destiny without God as a living, vital, reality in your heart and soul.
A wonderful benefit of the goodness of God is the complete happiness and satisfaction that comes from seeking refuge, shelter and protection in the Lord.
Nahum 1:7 (NIV):
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in Him.
New English Translation:
The Lord is good-indeed, he is a fortress in times
of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge
in Him.
Psalm 62:8 (Amplified):
Trust in, lean on, rely on and have confidence in
Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts
before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and
a high tower). Selah (pause and calmly think of that).
We seek refuge in the Lord for He is good and He cares deeply for us. God is a fortress of protection in times of trouble and distress where we can find complete rest and renewal. To say that the Lord is our refuge not only includes the truth that He is our shield, but also that we can come to Him, rest in His bosom and pour out our hearts before Him. We can have an intimate relationship with Him where we share all the details, problems and burdens in our lives knowing His grace and power are sufficient to bring us deliverance in any situation. Seeking refuge in God gives life meaning and purpose, for we know God is our helper, our fellow laborer, and our comforter in all the things of this life. God’s high tower and fortress of refuge is never closed, it is never too crowded, and it is never inaccessible-the welcome mat is always out. God loves and desires our companionship, our love, our praise, and our devotion. He wants to spend time fellowshipping with us, loving us, caring for us, and helping us grow and mature in Him.
When you take refuge in the Lord you recover your life. No matter how overburdened or burned out you feel, come and get away in a quiet place with your Lord and He will ease, relieve and refresh your soul. God wants to wrap us in His goodness and teach us how to live freely, lightly, and joyfully.
Psalm 62:1,2 (NIV):
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation
comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is
my fortress, I will never be shaken.
When you seek refuge and shelter in the Lord you will never be shaken or overthrown. The word “shaken” in the Hebrew means: a motion which causes injury or ruin; a great agitation; a great movement that throws one off course, and it is to dislodge and let fall and drop. God is our rock and haven of rest, and when we trust in him and abide in the fortress of His presence, absolutely nothing can cause us injury or ruin; nothing can greatly agitate us; nothing can greatly move us and throw us off course, and nothing can dislodge us from His loving protection. What a wonderful promise of goodness!
