Randy Wray’s Blog

I’m thinking today of refuge, reflecting on those places we go for refuge. This song by Cheri Keaggy has been on my mind this morning:

You, oh Lord, are my refuge
You are holy and just
You are faithful and righteous
You, oh Lord, are my refuge
By Your mercy, You cover me

Under the shadow of Your wings
Lord, in Your presence I’ll remain
You are forevermore the same
You are my refuge, my only refuge

You, oh Lord, are my refuge
In You I find rest
You’re my God and my fortress
You, oh Lord are my refuge
By Your mercy, You cover me

It’s easy to think about such things with so much evidence around us of people fleeing storms. But I’m thinking about the internal struggles and external pressures which are not so evident, which also make us flee.

Difficulties at home which develop into category 5 marital problems or sibling depressions. Difficulties at work which beat against our values, ethics and motivation. Difficulties at school which weaken the foundation of our fragile feelings of self-worth.

Just because we believe in Jesus and try to follow him as best we know how does not exempt us from difficulties. We, too, read the headlines, follow the footage, and are tempted to despair. We need no further confirmation that bad things happen to good people. We need no other reminders that trouble and peril abound in this world.

It’s quite easy to seek and find refuge in many different places. The irony is that these earthly shelters only provide temporary refuge. The roof is bound to come off sooner or later. Either that or at some point the storm will be over and what was your refuge you learn is not your home.

It is the insecurity of this world that should propel us to the security of a relationship with the Father. The enduring blessing of a God at work is seeing Him continue to be in our mess. God certainly has not set us adrift. He has not left us alone in turbulent seas in a flimsy raft.

Psalm 33:18-22 (NCV) But the LORD looks after those who fear him, those who put their hope in his love. He saves them from death and spares their lives in times of hunger. So our hope is in the LORD. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in him, because we trust his holy name. LORD, show your love to us as we put our hope in you.

The idea in verse 19 is that God will save our souls from death. It does not mean that as those who fear him we are exempted from physical death. It means that even if circumstances in this world take our life that our souls are secure. Certainly we trust God to spare our life - who else could we trust? Ultimately the relief and security we crave is satiated by accepting that my life is in his hands.

This is why the Psalmist can talk about trouble and distress and in the very same breath find a reason to praise.

Psalm 34:1-4 (NCV) I will praise the LORD at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the LORD. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the LORD with me, and let us praise his name together. I asked the LORD for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared.

I wonder if that might be way James says we should be joyful in the face of trouble? That trials and tribulations provide an opportunity for us to learn more about the goodness of God. That difficulty and despair provide perfect opportunities for God to demonstrate how great He really is.