A God of Refuge. David saw God as one in whom we can find refuge—very much like the six Israelite cities of refuge, which harbored innocent fugitives. The Psalms recurrent theme of refuge pictures both Christ and the Father. The Godhead was a refuge. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock (Ps. 27:5). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever (Ps. 125:2). The psalmist expressed a longing for more of his God: As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Ps. 42:1, 2). From experience, David testified, Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (Ps. 55:22). Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (Ps. 62:8)—a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth (Ps. 86:15).
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:19:05 +0000