How to Take Refuge in God
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
Within Christianity, many of us may be familiar with the phrase “seeking refuge in God.”
Often drawn from the Psalms, it is the idea that when we endure hard times, we go to the Lord for help.
But practically speaking, what does this look like?
How do we take shelter in God when the storms seem endless?
And what does it mean to balance the idea of trusting in God while also using our God-given wisdom?
Seeking God First
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
When God is our refuge, He is the first one we go to in every situation. Similar to a child who runs to their parent when they are scared at night, We are dependant on the comfort, guidance and strength of the Lord.
This does not mean we forsake entirely our God-given human knowledge.
Instead, it means that we seek the Lord in prayer at all times and know what the Bible says, which will shape our decisions and perspective. (Rom. 12:2)
As Christians, our first response should be to go to God first in prayer and through Scripture rather than trying to figure out the difficulties of our lives by ourselves.
Trusting in God
“For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.” (Psalm 33:21)
Part of seeking refuge in the Lord is that we trust Him. He can protect us, and give us peace when it would makes sense for us to be in turmoil (Phil 4:6-7).
This does not mean that there will be no difficulties or hardships in life. God is honest with us, and the Bible is very clear that in this life there will be hardships. That does not mean that you lack faith when you encounter difficulties. Rather, God is able to use the difficulties in our lives to teach us to depend on Him.
Often when we face the most difficult circumstances in this life and surrender it to God He has a way of bringing beauty where there once were ashes. It is in the seasons of great hardship that can speak to us and reveal things to us in a way we may only be able to know through experience.
We can trust Him to take care of us, and give us exactly what we need, when we need it.
Walking in Obedience
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:15-16)
A key part of taking refuge in God is choosing to walk in obedience.
Biblical moral instructions are not designed to save us from our sins. Salvation is a free gift, one we cannot earn no matter how “good” we think we are.
That being said, when we walk in obedience we are given protection by God.
He is practical, and instructs us to live in a way that protects us from the sin that seeks to destroy our lives.
It is similar to if there was a hurricane warning. If we do not take shelter and follow instructions that are given, we put ourselves in danger.
Similarly, when we decide not to follow God’s instruction, we put ourselves in a greater danger for the sin that seeks to destroy us.
We are not about the walk in perfection this sin of heaven. However, when we encounter God, our relationship with sin changes. We strive to live a life that is pleasing Him, one that is marked by holiness.
Whether you are walking on a mountaintop or a valley, my prayer is that you would take refuge in the all-powerful God, who loves you deeply.
God Bless!
