Articles
Where Do You Find Refuge?
Throughout time people have found certain things in life that give them comfort and provide a sense of security. For some it is their nice homes with advanced security systems protecting them from any threat of danger. For others it is their jobs that pay well and help them live quite comfortably. Further, you will find those who identify their refuge as their stocks and mutual funds where they have invested their retirement nest egg. Yet, some folks would not hesitate to say it is in the company of their families and close friends that they find refuge. Where do you find refuge?
It is easy to site many examples from the Bible where the people of God sought refuge in the wrong things or people. For example, how often did Israel choose to seek refuge in the arms of false gods, or desire to return to Egypt for safety and protection?
“He will say: ‘Where are their gods, the rock in which they sought refuge? Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise and help you, and be your refuge” (Deuteronomy 32:37-38).
“Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him” (Isaiah 36:6).
People have not changed. Numerous individuals continue to place their trust and confidence in the gods of this land (Joshua 24:15). Such things as: material wealth (I Timothy 6:6-10, 17); the praise and approval of men (John 12:42-43); the wisdom of men (I Corinthians 2:4-5); the passing pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25) like drugs, alcohol, and sexual immorality. It is in such things that the world finds the refuge that they seek, but it always leaves them feeling unfulfilled, dissatisfied, and even miserable.
Friend, where do you find refuge for strength, comfort, and security? Is it in the aforementioned things or do you find it elsewhere. Children of God know that true refuge is not found in the temporary things of this life, but only in the eternal, which shall not pass away (2 Corinthians 4:18). Saints seek and find refuge in things far different than anything this world has to offer.
We find refuge in: brethren who sincerely care for our well-being (Romans 12:10); the power and comfort of prayer (Philippians 4:6); the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17); a Savior who continues to intercede on our behalf (I John 2:1); the hope and promise of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27). What a splendid thought indeed!
