1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, 2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord ‘s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Psalm 11: 1-7, ESV
Psalm 11 is a song written from a heart filled with confidence. One can hear the assurance of a person that knows a God of justice. The writer is confident that the Lord hears his cries, answers his prayers, rewards obedience and is also the avenger of the evildoer. He writes, “In the Lord I take refuge…” to begin his song of thanks.
What a word refuge is when you think about it. Think about this for a moment. When you are driving home from a long day at work would you say to someone else “I am going home for the day” or “I am going to my place of refuge.” Look at this question from a relational view. If you are afforded the opportunity of having an evening out with your spouse would you say to another person, “I am going out with my wife or husband tonight” or say “I am having an evening alone with the one that provides me refuge.” The simplicity alone of changing this one word stirs the heart.
Let’s take a brief look at a refuge. You see on one level a refuge is a place of safety, a shelter or dwelling place that is secure from harm. At the same time, it is something that offers a peaceful shelter from dangers and anxieties. As husbands, wives, parents, or as the one that others depend on for the needs of life the Lord has called us to provide and be a refuge for our families. What an incredible thought to feel like our spouse looks at us like a place of safety and doesn’t hide in fear. What a blessing to think that our families have no greater desire to come not just to a house but a “home” where it is a refuge. How thankful we should be when we are allowed to worship together with other Believers at a local church where we can take refuge!
What an encouraging reminder this morning that the Lord is our refuge. He is truly the Ultimate Refuge. When emotions tell us that there is nowhere to turn we are reminded that we can turn to Him.
Think about this today as you go about your schedule. Where is your refuge? In whom do you turn to as a provider of refuge? Turn to Him.
Aiming for the Prize 