Blessings in the Mighty Name of Yeshua Hamashiach!
WHEN GOD IS NOT OUR FIRST THOUGHT, HE BECOMES OUR LAST RESORT. And that’s how it becomes so easy for us to create false refuges—through simple habits of seeking God somewhere other than first. Those habits are as varied as humanity itself. Some people use anger as a refuge, some use withdrawal. Some people become bullies, others befriend a bully, so he becomes their protector. Some people use cigarettes to soothe their moods, some people treat themselves with gourmet dining, some people gossip. Some people use their imagination to confect a fantasy—this includes adventure fantasy in which they feature as the hero of their own story, as well as sexual fantasy, or just simply internally revising or rewriting history until they are the innocent party in a dispute. Gardening and cleaning, even going to Christian conferences, can be ways of avoiding God. So many of us believe we’re hiding in God’s protective shadow when actually our ever-present help in time of trouble is a packet of cheese biscuits. Or a favorite show on Netflix. Or a spin in the car. Or an adult beverage.
David is a great example of someone who knew God as his refuge. At different points in his life, David was on the run from people who literally wanted to kill him, but he always found safety in God. “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:7-8).
No matter what our circumstance, the safest place to be is always in the center of God’s will. He promises to be our refuge: “‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6).
Shalom
Pastor Williams