My God, My Refuge, My Fortress

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1 (ESV)

What Does Refuge Mean

A refuge is a safe place to be when life gets scary. A place we can stay safe during a storm—a hiding place when danger lurks around us, or a place where we can be comforted when we are afraid.

An Example Of Taking Refuge

Elijah, the great prophet, met with the false prophets of Baal. He challenged them to a duel. Whoever was able to perform the miracle of fire coming down from heaven would be the true prophets of the land.

After hours of praying, shouting to the skies, requesting their need be met, and cutting themselves, the false prophets were exhausted and beaten. Elijah had all of the false prophets killed, and then came the threat from Queen Jezebel–Elijah was to die.

Fleeing for his life, he rested in the wilderness as God fed him. After a rest, God instructed Elijah to go to a cave and stay. There God spoke with him and answered some critical questions that Elijah had to ask.

God Is Our Refuge

Just like Elijah fled to the wilderness to escape his problems, we, too, need to hide from some scary things in our lives. Not that we need to run and hide from problems, but we need to run and hide with God. And just like God took care of Elijah, He will take care of us when we ask for His help.