In the Old Testament, the Lord directed cities of refuge to be set apart for those who accidentally killed someone (see Numbers 35). They were to be places of safety for those running from avenging loved ones who wanted swift retribution without a judgment or a chance for atonement, until a fair hearing could be held. The ways to the cities were to be clearly marked, with wide roads kept free from obstacles so the desperate wouldn’t be hindered in their flight to find sanctuary.
Even in this specialized circumstance, the Lord prepared places of shelter, places to find protection and safety from uncontrollable forces.
While we are unlikely to find ourselves in this particular situation, there are times it feels as if we are relentlessly pursued by a vengeful, incomprehensible, unforgiving world; when the weight of pain or suffering is persistent; when welcome relief seems very, very far away.
Places of refuge have also been prepared for us in these times. Places of security, where we find respite and rest from the storms of life (if even briefly).
Temples in which we can feel peace, homes that are a haven from the outside world and arms of loved ones that provide comfort.
But the power of these places is not in their familiarity or their proximity, and certainly not in their ability to remove the need for refuge in the first place.
Because refuge is not really a place, but a Person.
’God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).
Real, lasting refuge is found only in Jesus Christ.
He is often (thankfully) found in those places of safety-in temples and homes and loving arms-but even without them, He is our safety and rest, peace and protection.
Because He has overcome all things, there is nothing He can’t heal or understand or hold us through; nothing His power cannot weather and His goodness cannot conquer.
He puts no obstacles in the path as we run to Him and invites us in every circumstance to claim the sanctuary He offers.
He is present and help, able to make all things work together for our good, and always the way to greater things and better days ahead.
Rest in difficult times and vision of what is really important and capacity to let go.
Joy and growth, peace and strength.
Refuge.
