God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. Psalms 46:1-3 ESV.

Here we have the declaration of the sons of Korah: we brothers and our families declare God is our family refuge. Refuge is translated here from the Hebrew maḥăseh (Strongs H4268), meaning a place to flee for protection, a shelter from rain, storms, danger, falsehood, a place of hope, refuge, shelter, and trust.

What is your refuge from the dangers and tribulations of the World, and of day to day life? God? Something else? God plus something else?

Where do you run?

You will naturally and instinctively run to your default refuge when a tornado hits. Better have it figured out. If your refuge is not God, consider the three inevitable results:

1. Distance – Picking the wrong refuge (drugs, alcohol, food, government, etc.) is idolatry. The Bible tells us that idolatry is adultery in our relationship with God. Idolatry separates us from God in the same way adultery would separate us from a spouse.
2. Dissatisfaction – Satan and the things of this world offer many enticing refuges. But Satan’s refuge is temporary, inferior, and inadequate. They will bring passing relief. Until, like cocaine, we need another hit. They cannot withstand when the earth gives way. They eventually and inevitably fail.
3. Devastation – Alcohol, food, shopping, and all the rest are ultimately traps. These things bring only destruction of God’s perfect will for our lives. If I don’t run to Him for refuge, pain is the certain result.

God is a god of mercy and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). He is the very definition of maḥăseh. Choose God as your refuge.

Your natural refuge may not be morally wrong. Asa turned only to his physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Turning to parents, friends, self-help books. etc. is not, as is adultery, morally wrong. But it is idolatry. God wants to be our only shelter. His refuge is a secret and safe place reserved for His children. Those who live in the shelter of the Most High are protected (Psalm 91:1-4 NLT).

Psalm 46 tells us the benefits of taking refuge in God:
1. Strength from God (Verse 1);
2. Help from God (Verse 1);
3. Peace from God (Verse 2).

The sons of Korah also gave us Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” Their call is to wake up, pay attention, be in awe of God; in the midst of any storm you are safe inside the shelter of God. As relevant and true today as it was in 1000 BC.

Want to see this played out in real life?

Jada is sold out to Christ. But her world has been shaken, the earth threatening to give out under her. Her answer? Hear her play it out beautifully and powerfully in an original song she composed (lyrics and music). Listen here: https:bit.ly3ldb9hq