“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” – Nahum 1:7, NIV

Almost everyone reading this has probably interacted with a refugee or asylum seeker at one point or another. Indeed, Uganda is not only one of the top refugee-hosting countries in Africa but also the most refugee-friendly country in the world, according to the UNHCR.

Worldwide, people seek refuge to be safe from trouble in their homeland.

Indeed, the concept of ‘refuge’ was well-entrenched in the Bible.

God instructed Moses to set up six ‘cities of refuge’ in the Promised Land for people who unintentionally killed someone to flee to in order to be safe from mob justice or revenge (see Num. 35; Deut. 19; Josh. 20).

These cities exemplified the virtues of God’s mercy and grace to those in unfortunate circumstances.

Additionally, the Law of God stated that if a slave were to flee to your home for refuge, you were not supposed to hand him over back to their master. You would have to live with them and not oppress them (Deuteronomy 23:15–16:).

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)

That paints a good picture of chicks taking cover under mother hen’s warm wings during a heavy storm. That is what Christ is to us when adversities strike or when adversaries surround us.

Let me share several characteristics of people who take refuge in God:

First, Psalm 5: 11 says; “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.” In this world, true gladness and joy belong only to those who have God as their refuge.

Thanks to His priceless unfailing love, the saints take refuge in the shadow of His wings, which paints a good picture of little chicks taking cover under mother hen’s warm wings during a heavy storm

Second, Psalm 16:1 says; “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.” Real safety belongs to those who have taken refuge in the Lord God.

Third, Psalm 34:8 says; “blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” The real blessing belongs to the one who has taken refuge in God.

Four, Psalm 34:22 says; “no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.” There is no condemnation to the one who has taken refuge in Christ.

Five, Psalm 71:1 says; “In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.” There is no shame or disappointment to those who take refuge in God.

Six, Psalm 71:7 says; “I have become a wonder to many; you are my strong refuge.” You will amaze people when God is your refuge.

Seven, Psalm 73:28 says; “I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” You will never run out of testimonies if you make God your refuge.

Lastly, Psalm 46:1-2 says; “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” You will never live in fear of anything if God is your refuge.

In conclusion, I really like what God told the prophet Isaiah in chapter 4:5 -6: “Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.”

The glory of God is our covering and refuge. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Almighty God, I pray that I will never cease to acknowledge you as my refuge. May Your goodness and Your glory always be my covering and shelter, my hiding place from the storms of life. In Jesus Name, Amen!