Seeking Refuge in Uncertain Times - Martin Wiles

Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 25:20 NLT

The day appeared calm enough, but Mother Nature soon released her hidden fury. I would soon be seeking refuge in uncertain times.

My brother, daughter, and I set out early for a ten-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the five-mile point, we planned to set up camp and walk the remainder of the way without our packs.

But after reaching our destination, we were greeted by the sound of thunder. Mountain storms were familiar to us, so we quickly set up camp. Within minutes of driving the last tent stake, we felt the first drops of rain. Then came a torrential downpour with lightning to match. We huddled on our rubber sleeping mats, hoping lightning wouldn’t strike the tall pines above us.

After sitting for what seemed like hours, we braved pouring rain, intermittent lightning, and puddled water, making it to an AT shelter a few hundred yards away. Here we remained for the next several hours, listening as storm after storm marched through the mountains. Though our refuge was only a three-sided shelter, we felt secure.

David’s enemies were numerous—among them lions, bears, Philistines, giants, and even a jealous king. Regardless of who or what they were, David found refuge in a big God whom he trusted to protect him.

I’ve sought refuge in healthy and unhealthy things. At the end of a stressful day, I love taking refuge in a good book. I cherish the times when my wife and I can go to a restaurant alone, without friends or grandsons. Sitting in our old glider on our back patio in the spring or fall is also nice.

But I’ve also sought refuge in unhealthy things during stressful times. Instead of running to God, I ran to addictions or unhealthy relationships. They brought only temporary satisfaction, along with a foreboding sense of guilt that I was looking in the wrong place.

Where David found refuge is where we should. A healthy relationship with a loving Savior is the only thing that brings satisfaction, contentment, and peace. All other things and people will disappoint. He always loves unconditionally and protects faithfully. Friendships and family can be the icing on the cake, but they can never take God’s place.

Run to God for refuge when times are uncertain.

Father, thank you for being a trustworthy place of refuge when life is stormy—a place that will never disappoint us.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.