This article shares a few things in
verse format, then share some Bible verses to focus on Refuge as pain bearer.
When I feel lost, He's the One to
be found.
When I feel unsure, He becomes my
security and certainty.
When I feel unsafe, He assures me
as Refuge.
When turbulence requires an
ambulance, He transports me to Refuge.
When offense requires forgiveness,
Refuge supplies all I need.
When hate requires an answer of
love, Refuge love never fails.
When hopelessness requires a purpose
to go on, Refuge hope satisfies the heart.
When doubt makes faith seem
impossible, Refuge faith springs from a bottomless fountain.
Who else could do what only God can
do?
Why would I even try a counterfeit
Refuge?
... complaining to drown disappointment
... booze, drugs, or food to drown sorrow
... non-marital sex to drown loneliness
... thrill of risk to drown fear
... blame to drown guilt
... self-rejection to drown shame
... victimization to drown victim-hood
... all-of-the-above and more to drown bitterness, resentment, and
rebellion
Pain in the heart shows itself in
many forms; disappointments, sorrows,
loneliness, fear, guilt, shame, and victim status. Running to Refuge for healing is much better than complaining, overindulging,
fornicating, risky behavior, blaming, hating self, and victimizing others. Seeking Refuge finds happiness instead of
complaining, joy instead of sorrow, fulfillment instead of loneliness, faith
instead of fear, right-standing instead of guilt, self-acceptance instead of
shame, and victor instead of victim.
The Bible has much to say about
this:
"There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 16:25)
but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 16:25)
"Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)
"The Lord will rescue his
servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned." (Psalm 34:22)
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned." (Psalm 34:22)
"I sought the Lord, and
he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34:4-5)
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34:4-5)
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. ...
an ever-present help in trouble. ...
The Lord
Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1,11)
the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1,11)
"Wine is a mocker and beer
a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1)
"But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever
does so destroys himself."
(Proverbs 6:32)
"Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save
me." (Psalm 31:2)
"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 36:7)
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 36:7)
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:1-2,4)
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:1-2,4)
About Jesus, Isaiah prophesied:
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,"
(Isaiah 53:4)
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is
on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3)
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Jesus himself said:
“Come to me, all you who
are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)
Peter, a follower of Jesus, and writer in the New Testament,
quotes Proverbs 3:34, which says,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
and then Peter makes this statement,
"Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he
cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
I am so grateful that it is never
too late to surrender. God always
responds with love to a humble heart. God is my shelter, bomb shelter, safe
house, igloo, bubble, balloon, sanctuary, asylum, haven, indestructible
dwelling, solid rock, fortress, oasis, .....
or what word describes "refuge" for you? Are you willing to surrender, and run to
Jesus Christ as Refuge? Right now is
never too soon.
by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry
