Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18)

God Is My Refuge

A refuge is a place of shelter or protection from danger or distress. In the Law of Moses, God made provisions for cities of refuge where a manslayer could flee. There were six cities of refuge in Israel as cities of the tribe of Levi. From a military standpoint, a refuge was a fortress of protection from enemies, usually a high place. Typically, whoever held the higher ground had the advantage. Taking refuge in God was a constant theme of divine protection from the wiles of the devil.

Sixteen psalms speak of the refuge of God. The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble. God was a refuge for the poor. David wrote about the Lord being his rock and the saving refuge of His anointed. Seeking refuge in the Lord was finding security in the fortress of divine power. Finding refuge in God gave strength, a very present help in trouble. The people of Israel sought the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, as their refuge.

When David hid from King Saul in a cave, the psalmist wrote about the mercy of God enveloping him as the shadow of eternal wings and refuge in the day of trouble. God is called salvation, glory, the rock of salvation and refuge. The people of God could always trust in Him and pour out their hearts to Him because He is their refuge. As the protector of the righteous, the Lord was One whom the saints could seek continually because of the promise to protect them.

God was always a refuge for His people living in a world that denied the Lord God. As a refuge and fortress, security was to be found in the bosom of the Father. Like a powerful, great bird, God would spread his feathers around His child, drawing them under His wings for refuge. A shield and buckler were used for defense against enemies, and God was that refuge. Like the high hills and cliffs protected the wild goats and rock badgers, the Lord would lift His people up to heights of safety without fear.

When the eyes of the faithful turn to the Lord, He becomes their refuge because He cares for them. No soul would be destitute in the refuge of the Lord. His portion would be in the land of the living. David said it best when he described the grace of God as lovingkindness and fortress, his high tower and deliverer, his shield, and the One in whom he took refuge, who subdued his enemies around him.

There is no greater hope than to come to the Lord God as a refuge to lay hold of the hope set before them. God has made promises that He will protect His children, and that promise is security and hope. Paul said the Lord will not allow Satan to tempt a man beyond what he can endure. Why? God is the refuge that will limit the power of the devil. Jesus taught His disciples to ask the Father to keep them from the wicked one. Why? God has the power to protect His people.

God does not lie. He cannot lie. To understand how powerful seeking refuge in God is demands the understanding of the promises of God. The Lord has shown abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel. As the refuge of His people, God is unchanging. Everything promised by God comes true, and that is the refuge all men should seek. For those who are saved, it becomes the strong consolation of hope that God is faithful no matter what happens in life. His words are true. He does not change. Refuge in God is everlasting when one turns their life over to the will of Him who is the high tower, deliverer, shield, and lovingkindness of mercy. The storms of life will not overcome those who take refuge in the rock of salvation.