Where Do You Go for Refuge?
“I will say of the Lord , "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."“ Psalm 91:2
Recently we’ve had some crazy weather in the Midwest, so safety is on everyone’s mind when the forecast starts to look nasty. When the weather turns bad, the news stations break in and the meteorologists begin a real-time explanation of what is happening. When you hear them say, “Get to your safe place, now!”, you know it’s time to run.
But before storm season even approaches, people are encouraged to be storm-ready, with supplies and a storm-safe space to which they can run for safety. The key is to be prepared, to know where to go, and to be ready.
Earlier this week was just such a time. I was in a deep sleep and was awakened to sirens wailing and my husband saying, “It’s time to go to the shelter!”. The urgency was palpable.
Here’s the thing. We knew exactly where to run. We didn’t ask questions. We didn’t stop to ponder if there was a better choice. We grabbed the pets and made our way right to our storm shelter. We stepped inside, closed and bolted the door, and then we waited, listening and praying. But we waited in confidence knowing that whatever happened outside, we were safe inside. We knew where to run. We were confident of its strength and stability.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
As believers, we have the ultimate shelter that provides supernatural ability to survive the storm. Do our sons and daughters seek the same safety and shelter in the storms of life? To what refuge do our sons and daughters run? Are they running to God or are they pausing to consider their options?
Far too often we fall prey to the schemes of this world. The lies that tell us our security is in our financial stability, or our possessions, or our relationships. Those lies only serve to pull us away from the Lord and turn our eyes to temporary, insufficient things that will not protect or shelter us from spiritual attacks. Sadly, too often God becomes our ‘backup plan’ if our other options don’t deliver.
We resist embracing the One option that is fail proof every time. Why is that? Why do we resist trusting the Lord as if He has a spotty record of success? Has He ever been unreliable? Has He ever failed?
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5b-6
God protected Daniel from the lions (Dan. 6), David from Goliath (1 Sam. 17), Noah from the flood (Gen. 7-8). Scripture is filled with His supernatural, omnipotent deliverance that reaffirms His love for us and His extraordinary ability to overcome whatever we might face. He is sovereign, there is none stronger or with more authority. The earth is the Lord’s; He reigns supreme. There is nothing under the sun that can harm us if God is our refuge and strength. He is faithful. We can trust Him.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9
Our hearts should be burdened if we see our sons and daughters running to hide themselves in a semblance of shelter that is not God. We should be speaking words of truth that point them to the Rock. We should model what it means to find our refuge in Him. If we sit idly by, we give passive agreement to their misdirection.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
Let’s pray for and direct our sons and daughters to the One who is their refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. God needs to be our first and only option every time. He is storm safe, refuge ready, and powerful enough to withstand anything the enemy can throw at us. He WILL keep us safe. But we need to run to Him. No wandering in the storm, wondering if there might be a better option. We need to run straight into His sheltering arms and trust that He will protect and sustain us, no matter what comes our way.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5
“Lord, forgive me for too often trusting in things I can see, things that I can arrange for myself, those resources that peddle false security to the gullible. You are my refuge and strength, You alone. I pray for (name) today. Lord, speak into their heart. Help them to hear You clearly and see that You, alone, are their refuge and strength. Impress upon their heart a desire to run to You for shelter and protection. I pray that You would give me discernment to model this well. Lord, be my shelter- help me not to complain or seek solace from anyone or anything other than You. You are my safe place. When life gets hard, painful, and stretches me thin, be that voice that says “It’s time to run to the shelter!” I pray that (name) would hear Your voice. Give them refuge from all of the pressures and pains of this life, not that You would remove them, because I know hardship brings growth, maturity, and a deeper love for You. But protect them, Lord. Teach them in that quiet place under Your wings. Show them Your love and care. Set them on solid ground so that they can withstand the storm and find their rest in You. I pray that as they find refuge in You, they would sing for joy because they love You and trust You. Surround them with Your favor, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Prodigal Prayer
“Oh, Father, my heart is heavy for (name). They are seeking shelter and refuge in every place but You. Lord, they are in the storm and the enemy continues to deceive them. I pray You would open their eyes to SEE You. Make Yourself real to (name) today. I ask that they would run to You for refuge and would find protection and shelter in Your great name. Draw them, Lord. Let your Holy Spirit speak into their heart and mind so they can’t help but be drawn to the beauty of Your Presence and the protection of Your covering. I pray that even today, You would draw them into a personal relationship with You. Show them their need for a Savior. Bind the enemy so his lies cannot interfere. Bring (name) to salvation today, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12