The Place Of Refuge

Yesterday I preached the funeral for the nephew of a friend of mine here in Dulce. I knew quite a few people from the man's extended family, but I don’t know if I had ever actually met the man or not. In the past day I find myself coming back, over and over, to the central verse of the passage I preached from, Psalm 36, 

verse 7:

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings."

God's steadfast love. A love that He sets on people and doesn't remove. It is there by His choice, regardless subsequent choices and actions of the one He has chosen to love. The love of a parent for a child has a similar nature, as we love our children when they often moments, or even seasons of their lives, where they are often so unlovable. The similarity stops when we recall that God's love is rooted in His own nature, which has infinitely more patience for the wandering and rebellious actions of His children than I do for mine.

The author of the psalm, David, is a man who's life has had quite a lot of trouble. Sometimes he's been a victim and other times his troubles are entirely self-induced. Either way, he needs refuge. He needs shelter. A place of safety, where he can catch his breath, sort out what is going on, and figure out what to do next. He needs refuge and he knows exactly where to find it. The steadfast love of God.

We have moments, days, even seasons, where the circumstances of our lives cause us to seek refuge. The refuge that David seeks has been made fully known to us in the person of Jesus. Ultimately, whether David realizes it or not, Jesus is the One who gives him refuge. And Jesus is the one, the only one, who can truly be our refuge too.

If today is a day where you need refuge, turn to Jesus. If you seek Him you will find Him. And in His arms you'll have peace, protection, comfort and guidance. Amen.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.