Refuge. In the tropical afternoons of my childhood.
I’m sitting on soft dirt. Amid twisted roots. Under a canopy of thick, intertwined bougainvillea branches growing by the backyard fence.
Shelter. From unrelenting sun.
Shade. For afternoon play with plastic teacups and bowls. A plentiful supply of leaves and blossoms within reach.
The secret place where I can rest. And just be.
Seeking refuge
Refuge draws. Hides. Secures.
Comforts.
In tropical heat or desert sun, we look for shadows and shade. Of tree and building. A cave’s cool interior.
In cold winter we long for a cozy haven. The warmth of a fire.
Storms roll in. So we seek a place of protection. Reinforced against wind and rain. Thunder and lightning. Tornadoes.
Our Refuge
The Lord God Almighty is our refuge. We shelter in Him.
Abiding in Christ. Living in the shadow of His wings. He is the secret place where we can rest.
And sometimes just be.
Our Peace
In Him we navigate change and transition. Storms and silence.
Even in the blur of an unknown future, He is our clear and certain hope. He is our peace.
So, waiting and walking, we bear fruit. Thrive. Secure in His presence and provision.
Rejoice
Rejoice today in our Refuge. Tell the wonders of His salvation.
Rest.
For there is none like Him.
“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
let them shout for joy forever.
May You shelter them,
and may those who love Your name
boast about You.”
Psalm 5:11
“But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so I can tell about all You do.”
Psalm 73:28
What about you?
What comes to mind when you think of “refuge”? How has the Lord given you rest and hope in these days?
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7 replies on “Refuge”
“How has the Lord given you rest and hope in these days?”
Yes, yes, yes … he never fails.
I think of Psalm 90, The Soldier’s Psalm…..He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
A comforting Psalm!
Amen! Thank you for sharing these encouraging verses.
I always think of Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
I almost put that verse in this post. Thank you for sharing it, Jul.
I have meditated on Isaiah 53 “the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him”
I realized that His peace is available for me! When I stay in worry or anxiety, I’m refusing the gift that He paid a huge price to give me.
“…and we are healed by His wounds.” Praise Him for His peace. What a Refuge. Thanks for sharing, sister.