In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, affecting people worldwide on a physical, psychological, and even spiritual level. This sudden situation changed the way we see things—we weren’t just fighting against the virus but also against our spiritual adversary.
Sometimes, we tend to keep our struggles with faith[1] to ourselves when we are afraid we might fall and fail. Amid these internal conflicts, we should remember that God is our refuge—there is a God with whom we can seek refuge.
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What Does “Refuge” Mean?
By definition, the word “refuge” is defined as a shelter or protection from danger or distress and a person or place that provides shelter or protection. It is considered a safe place or haven where you can go to simply rest and hide from the chaotic world that we live in.
How Is God Our Refuge?
As believers, we can say that God is our refuge, in whom we can find peace, hope, joy, salvation, and grace. He is a fortress in which we can find refuge and take shelter whenever life brings us down. In Romans 14:17, the apostle Paul highlights that the true essence of the Kingdom of God lies in righteousness, peace, and joy, rather than in earthly pleasures like food and drink.
When we refer to God as our refuge, we also let ourselves trust Him further. God serves as a shield for Christians and non-Christians alike, as long as one seeks God’s presence.
What Does The Bible Say About God Being Our Refuge?
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.
— Psalms 46:1–3
This verse states that we should not be afraid or shaken, for He is with us. He may not promise us a problem-free life, but He promised us that He will never leave nor forsake us, and this alone is enough to make us feel safe whenever we face obstacles in life.
The eternal God is in heaven your refuge, and underneath heaven are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’
— Deuteronomy 33:27
This depicts the never-ending power of God, and we should trust Him and seek His presence, for He will surely help us.
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm, and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a rain storm driving against a wall, and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat and rain storm is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the enemy and the ruthless is stilled.
— Isaiah 25:4–5
This verse tells us that God has always been a refuge for the impoverished and troubled, assuring us that throughout time, He is and has always been ever-present just for us.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer: my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my savior—from violent people you save me.
— 2 Samuel 22:2–3
The chapter titled “David’s Song of Praise” states how David honored God for being his refuge, describing Him as his rock. It emphasizes God’s mercy and loyalty to his believers, just like to Paul and Moses.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:7
This verse illustrates God as a safe place to whom we can go when we are afraid and full of trouble. In Him, we can find peace when we are about to break.
All these words and verses speak one truth: God is our refuge, and He has always been our safety and strength. His Words, just like his promises, have never failed us.
How Do We Make God Our Refuge?
1. Pray To Him.
Kneel and worship God through prayer. Cry to God and let Him know all of your thoughts and feelings—trouble, joy, fear, and even anxiety. Remember that God truly cares for and loves you, for you are His child. He is a father who is always available and will listen to whoever seeks refuge in His name.
2. Read God’s Word.
Through reading the scriptures, we can find the light and peace that we always need, as well as the answers to our whys and hows in life. In the Bible, we can explore circumstances where God showed His authority, power, and glory to protect and help the weary overcome their problems.
3. Grow Through The Holy Spirit.
The power of the Holy Spirit is responsible for our strength, giving us hope and peace through our faith whenever we find His presence. When we dwell in the Holy Ghost, we can live the rest of our lives fruitfully through His guidance.
2 Reassuring Reasons To Know That God Is Our Refuge
1. Jesus Told Us That He Would Provide Us With Rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
— Matthew 11:28–30
Jesus calls all who are weighed down by life’s burdens to come to Him for rest. “Rest for your souls” implies a deeper sense of calm that goes beyond physical rest. Jesus also asks us to learn from Him and take on His yoke, which represents His teachings and way of life. Jesus Christ shows us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders—His burden is light, and He is willing to share our troubles and provide us with rest.
2. Nothing Will Separate Us From The Lord.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 8:38–39
In this powerful verse, the apostle Paul declares his unwavering belief that nothing in all of creation can ever separate us from the love of God. He lists various potential sources of separation and any powers or forces that might try to come against us; however, none of these things have the power to sever our connection with God. It provides believers with great comfort and hope, assuring us that we are secure in God’s love, grace, and mercy.
Conclusion
From the very beginning, God never told us in His Word that He would give us a life of comfort. However, God promised that He will never forsake us nor leave us. Let us not be afraid and fear this life, for Jesus promised to deliver us from danger and lead us to protection and safety if we will just trust Him. Remember that the Lord God is our refuge and strength, for He is always there waiting for us, showing us how much we matter to Him.
