God is described throughout the Bible as a refuge and shelter for those who put their trust in Him. When we face difficulties, dangers, and storms in life, God promises to be our source of strength, protection and help. Here are some of the key ways the Bible shows how God is our refuge:
God is our refuge in times of trouble
Life is filled with unexpected troubles – sickness, death of loved ones, financial hardship, relational struggles, natural disasters and more. Many Psalms describe crying out to God for help in desperate times. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When we feel overwhelmed, we can call on Him for aid and comfort. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Throughout Scripture, those who trusted in God in the midst of trial experienced His refuge. Daniel was kept safe in the lion’s den and the Hebrew people were protected in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3 & 6). God guided Joseph through slavery and imprisonment to becoming a leader in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Paul and Silas were released from jail after praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:16-40). God does not always take away our troubles, but He promises to be our steady place of security when they come.
God is our refuge in the storm
Storms of life, whether physical or emotional, can feel overwhelming and frightening. Yet God offers Himself as our shelter and strength when storms come. As David wrote, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).
Jesus demonstrated this refuge when He calmed the storm while sleeping in the boat with His disciples. Their faith wavered in the face of the wind and waves, but Jesus said “Peace, be still!” and brought calm (Mark 4:35-41). No matter the storms we face, we can trust God’s power and protection if we run to Him.
God is our eternal refuge
Not only is God our refuge in the temporary trials of this life, but He promises to be our shelter for eternity. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Those who trust in Jesus can look forward to a home with God forever (John 14:2-3).
The book of Revelation describes God’s presence as a shelter for His people: “They will hunger no more, neither thirst anymore…For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17). No more pain, grief, crying or struggles – only the comfort and refuge of God’s presence forever.
God is a refuge we must run to
In order to experience God’s refuge, we must intentionally run to Him. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). God will not override our will – we must choose to turn to Him. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Throughout the Psalms, we see God’s people crying out to Him for refuge in times of need. “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place” (Psalm 28:2). Their refuge came in turning to God, not remaining self-sufficient. If we try to face life’s storms alone, we’ll eventually crash. Our part is to continually draw near to Him.
God is our refuge because of Jesus
We only have access to God as a refuge because of what Jesus did on the cross. When He died and rose again, Jesus removed the barrier of sin that separated us from God (Romans 5:8-11). Now through faith in Christ, we can “find grace to help us in our time of need” as Hebrews 4:16 promises.
Jesus referred to Himself as God’s provision of refuge: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It’s only because of His sacrifice that we can be reconciled to God and discover His shelter. Our salvation equips us to “take refuge in the hope offered to us” in Christ (Hebrews 6:18).
God’s presence is our truest refuge
More than just protection or escape, the greatest refuge God offers is Himself. “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). His presence is our peace in chaos, our shelter in the storm, and our safe tower in battle.
As Psalm 27:5 declares, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” God’s nearness is our ultimate refuge. We can rest in knowing He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In a constantly shifting world, God remains steady and secure. He is the only unshakable refuge. As Psalm 62:5-8 affirms:
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Key Bible verses on God as our refuge
Here are some of the key verses in Scripture that describe God as a shelter and refuge for His people:
- “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)
- “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
- “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
- “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1)
How to make God your refuge
Since God promises to be a shelter for us if we run to Him, how do we make Him our refuge in daily life? Here are some tips:
- Pray regularly – Pour out your heart to God constantly through prayer. Share your fears, troubles, pain and storms. Ask Him for refuge and help.
- Stay in Scripture – Read the Bible daily to be reminded of God’s promises of refuge. Memorize key verses about His shelter.
- Trust His character – Remember that God is perfectly loving, powerful, wise and good. He wants to protect you.
- Rely on Him first – Don’t try to handle storms alone. Turn to God as your first place of refuge before anything else.
- Run to Him quickly – When troubles come, immediately call out to God. Don’t delay in asking for His shelter.
- Invite His presence – Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and remind you of God’s nearness. Experience His refuge through worship.
The blessing of God as your refuge
There is incredible blessing, comfort and peace in having an all-powerful and loving God as your refuge. As Corrie Ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” Here are some of the gifts of making God your shelter:
- You don’t have to live in fear of life’s storms.
- You have somewhere to turn with all your struggles and pain.
- You can feel safe and protected even in chaotic times.
- You don’t have to handle difficulties alone or in your own strength.
- You have access to God’s wisdom, comfort, power and aid.
- You know your eternity is secure with God as your forever home.
The blessings of God’s refuge are open to anyone who puts their trust in Him. We all face storms in life – we cannot avoid them. But as believers in Christ, we do not have to weather any storm alone. Run to God each day and find your shelter in His powerful presence!