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Have you ever considered the places where we find our refuge?
When I was a child, I lived down the road from my grandparents’ dairy farm. My cousins and I used to haul our sleeping bags down the field, over the barbed wire fence, and through the pasture to camp out by the creek. We’d make a fire, roast marshmallows, then fall asleep to the lullaby of the bullfrogs along the water’s edge. Then we’d awake with a layer of dew blanketing our sleeping bags.
One summer weekend, a bunch of us decided to camp out by the creek. As we were gathering firewood, lightning slashed the sky above the treetops. We brushed it off as heat lightning and continued to have fun. My grandma and my uncle stood on their porches and called for us to come home.
However, before we even had time to gather our things, the darkened sky unleashed its fury. With rain pelting us, lightning brightening the sky, and thunder shaking the valley, we gathered what we could and raced through the field with our sleeping bags wrapped around us. It was so dark we couldn’t see where we were going…or see the barbed wire fence that separated the pasture from the field.
We reached my grandparents’ house dripping wet with half of our belongings dropped between the house and the creek.
Seeking Refuge
Despite the storm raging through the night, we sought refuge.
How many times have the storms of life come up unexpectedly, taking us by surprise? A sudden illness, a job loss, a wrecked marriage, the loss of a loved one, financial struggles. The list goes on.
Faith: Where Do We Find Our Refuge? How many times have the storms of life come up unexpectedly, taking us by surprise? @lisajordan #tellhisstory #refuge Click To TweetMaybe we are going through life, complacent and comfortable, doing what comes natural to us. But then one of those unexpected storms of life flashes over us, catching us by surprise. When those happen, we are racing blindly to find our refuge. Sometimes it seems so far away. Other times, it feels like we are tripped up by fences or boundaries.
Where Is Our Refuge?
But what if your refuge is closer than you think?
The most significant event in Christianity transpired because a tiny baby was born to sacrifice himself for our sins. When we accept the gift of salvation, Jesus offers us the only refuge we need.
But how do we find it when we need it most?
What Does Refuge Mean to You?
First, we need to consider what a refuge is to each one of us. To me, a refuge is a place where I can find safety and security. Growing up, my grandparents’ house was my refuge. I have many happy memories of family holidays, Saturday night sleepovers, playing tag in the yard with my cousins. There, I wasn’t afraid.
I’m grown now and that old farmhouse is no longer my refuge. As a born-again believer, my refuge isn’t in a place, but in the One whose promises can’t be broken.
Who Offers Us Refuge?
Jesus offers us the security and protection we need as long as we keep our faith in him. And that can be a little tricky when life storms are battering us.
Faith: Where Do We Find Our Refuge? Jesus offers us the security and protection we need as long as we keep our faith in him. And that can be a little tricky when life storms are battering us. @lisajordan #tellhisstory #refuge Click To TweetWhen we talk to God through prayer, dig into His Word, and take His promises to heart, then we are even closer to claiming Him as our Refuge.
As we cling to His promises, He will protect us from our own sinful nature and the enemy’s schemes. By striving to be more like Him, we are free from the bondage of sin. And that gives us peace and protection that only He can give.
To Find Our Refuge
Just like the way my uncle and grandma called to us before that approaching storm hit, Jesus calls to us and beckons us to run into His arms. But we have to make a choice—stay where we are and become ravaged by the storm or find our refuge in Him.
I love what Psalm 62:8 says,
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (ESV)
And
Psalm 91:1-2:
So let me close by asking, who do you trust to be your refuge, especially when the storms of life unleash their fury?
By holding onto your faith and trusting God, He is the only refuge you will ever need.
What about you? When was a time in your life when God was your refuge? Which Bible verses help you find your refuge in God?
Bio: Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. Her latest book, A Love Redeemed, released in September 2020. She is the operations manager for Novel Academy, powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for over thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys family time, kayaking, good books, and being creative with words, fibers, and photos. Visit her at lisajordanbooks.com
Love this:
“My refuge isn’t in a place, but in the One whose promises can’t be broken.”
Yes!
This is such a reassuring truth, isn’t it, Ava? Thanks so much for stopping by!
Oh Jeanne and Lisa … it’s such a blessing to be reminded of this wonderful aspect of who God is. Our refuge, a very present help in time of trouble. How sad and awful life would be without Him.
Lois, it IS a blessing to be reminded of the fact that God is our refuge, a very present help in times of trouble. I can’t imagine going through this life without Him!!
God’s love & grace are my refuge Lisa! I feel most secure in His comforting arms & strength especially in this time of chronic health issues that has depleted mine.
You’re both most welcome to join me in a cuppa & reflection at Tea With Jennifer,
Blessings,
Jennifer
Jennifer, God is the absolute best refuge we can have, isn’t He? He is so faithful to strengthen us when we are weak and to encourage us when we are down. Thanks for stopping by!
Will we apply this, for this is the crucial element? “Jesus calls to us and beckons us to run into His arms. But we have to make a choice—stay where we are and become ravaged by the storm or find our refuge in Him.” The sooner we turn to him and run into his arms, the sooner we reach safety. This vivid picture of running for Grandma’s house as the storm descends is a superb word picture of what running to Jesus looks like in our difficult circumstances. Well told!
Amen. God is our refuge and the One we can go to 24/7. We can trust His truth and promises. Thank you for sharing this truth and those amazing Bible verses.
Amen, Stephen. I can’t imagine life without the Lord being a constant in our lives. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I am so thankful for our ultimate refuge! This was beautiful. Thank you.
I used to have debilitating panic attacks. I memorized Psalm 91 to speak aloud in the midst of the attacks to hang back the reins to the Lord and to remind me that he is my refuge and my fortress. The God in whom I trust.
Candice, Psalm 91 is a powerful one to commit to memory! It’s comforting to know our God is our refuge and fortress, isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’m with you, Lauren…so very thankful for Jesus, our Refuge. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I have a feeling of peace when I find refuge in Him. What a glorious message! Thank you.
Wise words, Melissa. Finding refuge in Jesus does help us find peace!
I love to seek refuge in nature. It is where I feel closest to God as I hear nature speak. It is so important to find out refuge in God. Thanks for sharing Jeanne.
Yvonne, like you, I find refuge in nature. something about being surrounded by God’s creation helps me remember His presence and lean into Him.
Thank you for this reminder of God as our refuge, so many times I don’t rest in his truth!
Donna, I am not quick to rest in this truth either. I guess, as we face life’s trials, we get practice of running to Jesus as our refuge, don’t we?
Such a beautiful post.
Thank you for stopping by, Susan!
Psalm 23. I keep coming back to these verses when I need refuge.
Theresa, Psalm 23 is such a great reminder that God (our Shepherd) is our refuge. Thanks for sharing this one!
God is our refuge in times of trouble.
Your storm memory reminded me of when I was with my brothers and sister out in a boat fishing on a reservoir in Tennessee. We didn’t see the storm coming until it was almost on us. It was a frightening experience trying to beat the storm back to our campsite, as a boat on a lake is a target for lightning.
Janice, I can imagine how frightening your time on the reservoir must have been for you and your brothers and sister! I’m so glad you made it safely to shore. It’s a relief to know the Lord helps us safely to shore during life’s storms, isn’t it?
“As a born-again believer, my refuge isn’t in a place, but in the One whose promises can’t be broken.” Funny you should say that … currently I’m studying why believers don’t take advantage of His promises. It could be unbelief, both in their God, and in their worthiness. Or maybe we don’t want to make the effort to run to His refuge?
I pray that might not be said about me!
Jerralea, that study on believers not taking advantage of God’s promises sounds like a good, if convicting, study. Your thoughts are making me think. I agree with your closing thought!
Amen Jeanne, So very grateful for our refuge in Jesus. Blessings.
Paula, like you, I’m so very grateful for our refuge in Jesus! Thank so much for stopping by!
Jeanne, I love the rural photos you have taken and shared here! I do find refuge in nature, a remembrance of how magnificent he is to have created this beauty!
Thank you for your kind words, Lynn. I’m like you . . . I find refuge in nature too. Somehow, being surrounded by God’s beauty brings peace to my stormy spirit.
My grandparents farm is still my favorite place on earth. They are both in heaven now but we still own it and gather there whenever we can.
What a blessing to have such wonderful memories of your grandparents’ farm! My grandparents lived in a small, suburban community outside Cinncinati. I only visited their home once as a girl, and more often once they moved to my city. This city girl has not had much experience with farm life, sadly.
I grew up outside of Cincinnati! Where did they live?
Wow, what a small world! I’m not sure . . . does Glen Ellen sound familiar?
There is a Glen Ellyn, IL near me but I never heard of Glen Ellen, Ohio
That’s it! I thought maybe I was remembering the spelling wrong, so I wrote Ellen instead of Ellyn. 😉
It’s such a beautiful story to remind me of where my refuge truly is. No matter what storm rolls in, I am always safe in Him.
Rebecca, sometimes I look for refuge in earthly places or people. Always, I am disappointed sooner or later. Thank goodness for our Father who offers us the very best refuge.
So beautiful! It is true: Jesus does offer us all refuge.
Jesus is the very best refuge, isn’t He, Jessica?
I’ve learned that God is my refuge and strength through all kinds of heavy trials—a spouse with cancer, a daughter with a mental illness, job loss, and uncertainty. I need to remember God is a refuge in small things, too.
Anita, I’m sorry for the heavy trials you’ve endured. I’m so thankful God has been and continues to be your refuge. <3
Lisa, such a comforting message. Your opening story is such a great analogy to Jesus calling us to come to Him, He is a refuge from life’s storms.
Thanks, Karen. I remember how safe I felt when I got out of that storm. And that’s how I feel in the Lord’s presence.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear …’
– Psalm 46.
Thank you, Lisa, for taking us there this morning.
Linda, I love that verse too! I’m so thankful He’s always present to help us.
Beautiful encouragement based on solid truth! Thank you, Lisa (and Jeanne)!
Thanks, Michele. I’m so thankful for the solid truth His word gives us.
I’m so thankful for the refuge we have in God.
Me, too, Barbara. His promises are ever-lasting and his refuge is steadfast.
They’re massing for the last attack
just across the way.
Ammo state has gone to black,
and this is Dying Day.
I wonder how I got this far,
and where may I now go?
Where is it, the Jesus Star;
does anybody know?
Kipling spoke of Afghan plains,
fate of the British soldier
when women cut up what remains;
I just wish that I were older
and could take fair memory
into the vast Eternity.
Thank you for sharing your thought-provoking words, Andrew.