My Refuge

"God is your refuge.

The High God your very own home.

Evil can't get close to you,

Harm can't get through the door." (Psalm 91:9-10 MSG)

During the warmer months of the year, some of the homeless people in our area camp out near the river. They live in makeshift shelters made out of cardboard boxes, tarps, and old tents. Many of them suffer from addictions to alcohol and drugs; thus, they prefer to live outdoors where they can indulge their cravings without restrictions. When the weather gets unbearable, some of them will try to get into the local homeless shelter. They have to be sober before they can be admitted. The shelter has several other guidelines concerning hygiene, order, smoking, and co-mingling between men and women. Many addicts choose to leave the shelter and face the elements rather than follow these guidelines. The frigid temperatures continue for months, but those who remain in the shelter stay warm at night.

God offers us refuge and protection. Yet, many of us choose to live under self-created shelters, where we can follow our whims and indulge our addictions. Only when external conditions become unbearable do we seek safety in God. Why?  Living under God’s influence and power requires us to have higher standards. We can’t continue to live according to our own will. Even when we are abiding in God, external conditions may or may not change. The world may still be bleak and hostile, full of evil and affliction. However, those who seek refuge in God are not disturbed by what’s going on outside.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” (Psalm 91:1-2 NLT)