God is a Refuge

Do you ever wonder what went through the minds of people in the Bible? Case in point, David.

This morning I read a small portion of Psalm 57; it is a favorite of mine. But the occasion for its writing was when David hid in the cave from Saul.

Now, if you're at all familiar with the life of David, then you know that he was in caves more than once. So, which particular time this Psalm is referencing, I don't know.

But I'm sure in each case, he had a heavy heart and a burdened mind, yet he knew where to go: to the Lord.

Anointed king at a young age, but still having to wait so long for that to come to fruition, David poured out his heart to God many times. We have many of the Psalms because of David's lived experiences.

I can't imagine that he understood why he was forced to hide in caves. But he recounts one of those times in Psalm 57, recognizing that his ultimate refuge was not the cave, but God Himself.

We often flee to things, good things even, to comfort us and protect us. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. But it is God who is the one who will provide help, hope, and true safety.

It's amazing that, given how much went wrong in David's life, his faith never faltered. Oh, he messed up big time. But all in all, it doesn't appear that he doubted God's ability to save, or His ability to keep His promises.

I think all too often we disconnect ourselves from the Old Testament. We think that it's a history lesson, but nothing much more than that.

But in it we see God and how He loves His people. And let's face it, we still have our metaphorical caves where we often must run to, don't we?

We should remember then, that God is still a refuge for us today; we can still take shelter under His wings.

"Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by." - Psalm 57:1

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