Key scripture- “Be merciful to me, O God! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I make my refuge” (Psalm 57:1).

Did you know that “Refuge” is a favorite word of David’s?

When you look at the definition of “refuge” you understand why David used that word to describe God. Refuge means, “shelter or protection from danger or trouble. A place of shelter, protection or safety. Anything where we have recourse for aid, relief or escape.”

You will count as many as forty-plus appearances of the word “Refuge” in some Bible versions. Below are some of the ways it was used by David when he talked about God.

“Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!” (Psalm 64:10).

“On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” (Psalm 62:7).

“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” (Psalm 61:3).

“Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” (Psalm 61:4).

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7).

“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22).

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8).

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” (Psalm 30:4)

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.” (Psalm 31:1-4).

“The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.” (Psalm 28:8).

“Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” (Psalm 25:20).

“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30).

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:2-3).

“Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.” (Psalm 17:7).

“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” (Psalm 16:1-2).

“O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me.” (Psalm 7:1).

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” (Psalm 5:11).

“He said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence… This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him…This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless.” (2 Samuel 22:2-3,31,33)

David knew that: when his life was in danger and he had nowhere to turn, his refuge was God; When his enemies surrounded and out numbered him, his refuge was God; When he was all alone, his refuge was God.

Why don’t you take some advice from David today, and make God your refuge. Let Him be the foundation on which you stand!

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, You are my refuge and my strength my God in whom I trust. I know that if I “dwell in the shelter of the Most High, I will abide in the shadow of the almighty. I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2). I am at home with You, I always return to You, You are my rest, You shelter me, I reside under Your protection, You are my refuge and my strength. I proclaim that You, Jehovah, the one and only living God, are my refuge. You are a refuge that never fails me. Everything I desire I find in You. For You are neither fickle nor false, You are not weak or mortal, You are the Lord God Almighty and there is never any fear of being disappointed in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.