In Need of a Refuge?

Where do you turn when the bottom drops out of your life? Or when you face an issue that is embarrassing . . .maybe even scandalous?

You need a shelter. A listener. Someone who understands. You need a cave to duck into. But to whom do you turn when there's no one to tell your troubles to? Where do you find encouragement?

David was just such a man, and he turned to the living God and found in Him a place to rest and repair, he wrote these words in his journal of woes: "In Thee, O Lord, I have taken refuge" (Ps. 31:1). Failing in strength and wounded in spirit, David cries out his need for a "refuge". The Hebrew term speaks of a protective place, a place of safety and security and secrecy. He tells the Lord that He-Jehovah God-became his refuge. In Him the troubled man found encouragement. So the question is why do you need a refuge?

First, we need a refuge because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us.

Second, we need a refuge because we are sinful and guilt accuses us.

Third, we need a refuge because we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assaults us.

Discouraged people don't need critics. They hurt enough already. They don't need more guilt or piled-on distress. They need encouragement. I a word, they need a refuge. A place to hide and heal. A willing, caring, available someone. A confidant. A comrade at arms. You cant' find one? Why not share David's shelter? The One he called "my Strength . . my Mighty Rock . . .my Fortress . . . my Stronghold . . my High Tower.

We know Him today by another name: Jesus. He's still available . . .even to cave dwellers, lonely people needing someone to care.

Exert taken from "David: A Man of Passion and Destiny" by Charles R. Swindoll