When you think of refuge what comes to you mind? I think of a refuge as an area of protection. Refuge in a Biblical sense is defined as, “shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc., a place of shelter, protection, or safety, anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.” Through this, we see how the Lord is our refuge.[1]
As we grow in faith and understanding we begin to grasp that the Lord really is our refuge in many ways along our journey of life.
The Lord was a Refuge for Ruth
Ruth had ventured to Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi and soon found herself out gleaning in the harvest fields looking for dropped grain. The owner of the field was Boaz who was kind enough to leave some extra grain for Ruth to pick up.
Boaz had been watching Ruth and realized her actions were a result of seeking the Lord. The Lord had become her refuge in her widowhood and poverty.
Ruth 2:10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” [2]
Seeking the Lord for Refuge
Is the Lord your refuge? King David tells how God is his refuge. Psalm 18:2The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. [3]
As we reflect on this we think of the Lord as a mighty rock and one that cannot be moved. A fortress suggests a place where we can go and be protected. Jesus gives us refuge in His amazing grace. His shield protects us as we draw close to him. His mighty power saves us and He is a place of safety.
As believers in Jesus, He is always with us. His angels come to minister and protect us even when we don’t know it. When life storms rage over us we can cling to Jesus because He is our rock and fortress. Just mediating on this verse is reassuring of who God is and what He is doing in our life. When God is our refuge, we are truly blessed. Isaiah 26:4Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. [4]
To hear more about God being a refuge, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-ruth-part-1
[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/how-is-god-our-refuge.html
[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.