With the tornado sirens blasting, my dad led his young family into the basement of our rented home. As the windows rattled, he positioned us under a sturdy workbench, a strong refuge, and kept us there until the storm had passed. We were safe, while just down the road several homes were destroyed.
David didn’t compose any psalms about tornados, but “David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from the grasp of all his enemies and from the grasp of Saul. He said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, you save me from violence. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies… God is my strong refuge; he makes my way perfect” (2 Samuel 22:2-4, 33).
“God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings” (Psalm 61:1–4).
God was a “strong refuge” and a “strong tower” protecting David from his enemies.
Our enemies don’t often throw spears, shoot arrows, or wield swords as David’s did. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12). Our enemy uses insults, discouraging words, and alluring distractions, that lead to needless anxieties, self-centered pride, anger, bitterness, and brokenness.
Who is our Strong Refuge, our Strong Tower? Where can we find safety and security?
Jesus.
“Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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