“This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us],” Hebrews 6:18, AMP.
Refuge is a shelter from danger or trouble; a safe place. God is our refuge! He is our place of shelter in the midst of storms. When we experience troubling times in our lives, we must seek safety in God. We should surround ourselves with Christian friends and family. We don’t run to the clubs for help—if we’re in the Lord. What solace is there? We don’t sprint to the liquor store—what comfort lies within? We don’t bed hop in hopes to alleviate loneliness, what kind of company awaits there?
Many do seek comfort in those things, but where is the lasting healing? What rest can you find when the problems follow you from place to place. It’s never solved because it’s masked with temporary fixes; something to ease the pain for a few short hours, if even that long. But how does one feel when they finally confront those demons?
As Christians, we cry out to the Lord, praying not only for ourselves but on behalf of those who aren’t able to pray for themselves. How many people prayed us into receiving salvation? It is our responsibility to love our neighbors, and not just the ones who are on our side. “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;(A) But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,(B) [a]To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike],” Matthew 5:43-45, AMP.
Refuge is a place where we rest in knowing that everything is going to be all right despite the circumstances. And for me that place is definitely in God. When I’m void of understanding to why others may mistreat or disrespect me, I go to God. When I cry and my heart aches, I go to my place of protection. When others don’t comprehend my love and devotion for Christ or His love for me as they mock and ridicule—I go to the shelter for it is the only place where I’m totally free from hurt, harm, and danger.
Additional References: Isaiah 4:6, Jeremiah 16:19, Psalm 91
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