Guaranteed Safety
The word “safe” seems to be an oft-spoken word in our day and age. You hear people talking about safe neighborhoods, safe spaces, safe confidences, safe environments, safe schools, safe vaccines, or safety rules. The primary reason for all this talk about safety is sin. I’m not talking about being wisely safe from harm (fire, cliffs, traffic, country music - haha!, etc.), but recognizing that If sin and its consequences were not in the picture, there would be no need for spiritual, mental, emotional, relationship, financial, or even physical safety.
Because of sin and its consequences, we find ourselves on guard about harmful words, attitudes, anger, deception, gossip, etc., as well as viruses, poisons, dangerous insects, animals, natural disasters, human error, and the like. One day, when our Lord returns, we will experience all the pre-Fall blessings of paradise with our Lord and Savior in His new heavenly creation and eternal kingdom. I can’t wait.
In the meantime though, how do we deal with our desire or need for safety? In one word, it is “refuge.”
We see this word used 88 times in Scripture. God gave His people Israel six cities of refuge where anyone could run for asylum and await justice if they had accidentally killed someone and needed protection from avengers. Inside those cities, you were totally safe and protected.
What’s interesting is that the Lord takes this word and applies it to Himself. He calls you and me as His people to run to Him for all the safety and protection we would need for ultimate things.
God presents Himself as our shield (2 Sam. 22:3), our stronghold (2 Sam. 22:3), our shelter (Ps. 5:11), our fortress (91:2), a rock (94:22), or a very present help in time of need (Psa. 46:1). We are even pictured as being in the shadow of His wings (Ps. 36:7; 57:1).
Is there any safer place to be and run to than God?
Nahum said, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (1:7).
Jeremiah had the uncomfortable responsibility as God’s prophet to repeatedly warn Judah of the coming 70-year disaster and discipline by God and he said, “Do not be a terror to me: You are my refuge in the day of disaster” (17:17).
Isaiah had to remind God’s people “For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge” (17:10).
Agur shared these great words in the Proverbs: “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (30:5).
The Psalmist gives us great perspective when he said, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (118:8-9).
Let me leave you with one verse to meditate upon and apply: Psalm 62:8: “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
I encourage you to listen to this great old hymn as you run to the Lord for your safety: "Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul.”
Pastor Jeff