Refuge – Word for the Soul

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 NIV

I don’t know of anyone I have ever met that has not had trouble in their life. Some people seem to have trouble following them wherever they go. One of favorite cartoon characters, ‘Ziggy’, had those experiences with a dark cloud always over his head. Ziggy is a good-natured fellow with a kind, warm heart, but that didn’t prevent him from troubled times. In fact, he didn’t let it bother him, he just went along his way being who he is, a kindhearted cartoon character. We can also go along in troubled times being who we are, Christians who know the Lord God.

It would be nice if all our troubles were little things happening to us that some would call bad luck, or the black cloud that hovers above us. But most of our times of trouble are more than a ‘Ziggy’ event, some of them even tragic. Becoming a Christian doesn’t guarantee all our troubles disappear, they don’t. We may find that a little odd. After all, why wouldn’t God keep us from trouble. He may not keep us from trouble, but God cares and is always with us as we go through it.

The Old Testament prophet Nahum writes, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Na.1:7 niv) The Lord is our refuge, our safety net, our escape route, our defender, and our strength who will not abandon us. Whatever you may be going through this week remember God is there with you. God cares for you, and He is good. You will continue to have trouble in this life, but as a Christian you can rest assured God is with you. He will not leave you to work it out on your own but will be a refuge for those He cares for as you trust in Him.

“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Psalm 52:8 NLT

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Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.

When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)

Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!

Read: Psalm 52 NLT – Psalm 52 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

Tag: Refuge

A Refuge in Times of Trouble

Safety in the House of God