Refuge in the LORD

"A Mighty Fortress" is one of my favorite hymns.  "A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing..."  It immediately tells of God's might which in turn leads one to consider the great protection He affords those who run to Him.  Another hymn I love is "Your Name".  I love it for what it says about my Lord Jesus; I love it because it is based in scripture.  Every time we sing it in worship at church, my mind goes to Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."

As I was reading through the first five chapters of The Psalms today, my eyes were opened by the Holy Spirit to this theme of taking refuge in the LORD.  The last verse of chapter 2 of The Psalms ends with a beatitude - "How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"  One may expect me to focus on the ones who take refuge - after all, the scripture says they are blessed!  Indeed, they are blessed, but only because of the One in whom they take refuge!  My mind went straight to praising the LORD through the songs mentioned above - no, I did not belt out in a loud voice (it would have been way off key).  While there is so much to say about the LORD, it is my hope that this brief writing would encourage us (me included) to learn about the LORD and take refuge in Him.

Who is the LORD, that we should take refuge in Him? 

In Psam 1:6, we learn that "...the LORD knows the way of the righteous..."  The LORD has regard to the righteous, those who delight in His law.  He is the source of their strength and fruitfulness.  On the other hand, He judges the wicked and they will perish. 

Psalm 2:4 says "He who sits in the heavens..."  This chapter shows that the LORD alone is exalted in the heavens.  Everything belongs to Him - everyting is His to give as an inheritance (Psalm 2:8) His wrath and fury are on display toward all who are against Him and His Son.  In this passage, we see  God's mercy and judgment on display - through His decree "You are my Son, Today I have begotten You."  Here He is speaking of Jesus who would come at the right time to save His people from their sins (Mercy).  Also in view is the second coming of Christ when He comes in judgment upon those who did not take refuge in Him (Wrath/Judgment).  Many times we like to emphasize one of God's attributes to the detriment of another - for example we may be happy to talk about God's mercy or love, but we want to stay away from His wrath or judgment.  What we need to be reminded of is that God is perfect, complete and holy, which include all of His attributes.  We shouldn't confuse our concept of anger or wrath (which is greatly skewed by sin) with the holy wrath of our Holy God. 

Psalm 3:8 says "Salvation belongs to the LORD..."  Our God Saves!    Psalm 3:3-6 says "But You, O LORD, are a shield about me.  My glory, and the One who lifts my head.  I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain.  Selah.  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about."  This leads me right back to the hymns mentioned above!

Psalm 4:3 and 4:8 tell us that we can put our confidence and trust in the LORD.  "The LORD hears when I call to Him."  Our God hears His people when they cry out to Him! How amazing is that!  I can picture David going up against Goliath.  In Psalm 4:8 it says "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."  Not lie down and toss and turn or worry, but lie down and sleep.  That can only be done when we are confident in the One who watches over us.

Psalm 5:4 tell us that there is no evil found in God.  "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You."  Our God is Good.  Jesus affirmed this when He said "there is no one good but God alone." (Luke 18:19)  James reminds us that "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone" James 1:13.

As these first five chapters in The Psalms have shown us, the LORD is the only one in whom we can take refuge and He alone is worthy.  He commands us to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.  We cannot trust in any structures that human hands can build - will they hear us cry out?  We cannot trust in others.  We certainly cannot trust in ourselves.

I leave us with the final two verses of Psalm 5.  Verses 11 and 12 read "But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.  For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield."