Where is Your Refuge Found? Psalm 61 Submitted by Kay Crumley
Most of us have had times in our lives when we feel exposed, helpless, and insecure because of life’s circumstances. The questions become, where to I turn, who can I trust, when will this end, and what do I do now? Most children have a parent or grandparent who they run to for comfort and support. However, as adults we may find ourselves without resources.
The Bible has many references to a place of refuge. The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary says that it is a “shelter or relief from danger or anxiety; a high rock (Is. 33:16), a secure dwelling place (Deut. 33:27), a place to flee to (Psalm 142:4), a shelter (Is. 4:6). I think of a shelter from a storm, maybe a covered place to protect me from the rain. It may remind you of a storm shelter like a tornado shelter. Refuge can also be emotional shelter. Who or what to you turn to when you’re simply emotionally and even spiritually spent. There are times when we feel lost or without hope, what is your source then?
Psalm 61 was written by King David when he felt alone, in danger, and desperate for a place to turn for help. He turned to God. In the first verse he begs for God to hear him and pay attention to his plea. 1 John 5:14 gives us this promise, Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. We can be assured that when we humble ourselves to Him and cry out for help that He hears and answers our cry. David, the man after God’s own heart, was confident that God was listening. David’s heart was without strength. To me, that says he is broken mentally, physically, and emotionally. He is begging for help.
1 God, hear my cry;
pay attention to my prayer.
2 I call to you from the ends of the earth
when my heart is without strength.
Haven’t we all faced a time when we simply need someone to take our hand and lead us to safety? He desires to find a stronghold in a towering rock that will protect him from the enemy that pursues him. He is our protector and defender. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 2 Samuel 22:2 Do we believe that in our darkest times of struggle? Do we remember to seek Him for all our needs? David was King of Israel; he had armies to call on for protection. Yet, he recognized that God was truly the One in control with power over the universe Who hears our prayers. David turned to the everlasting refuge.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me,
3 for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
Now he confesses that the only safe place is in God’s home, His tent, because as His children we can take shelter under His wings. He will wrap His wings over and around us to protect us from all attacks from the enemy. Satan is our enemy and has been defeated already but still seeks God’s children to turn our hearts away from Him. We can find shelter in His tent under His wings.
4 I will dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
Selah is a term meaning to pause, to consider what the previous verses have said. I invite you to pause, reread David’s prayer, make it your own prayer with a very specific list of the help you seek in Him, our creator, sustainer, and provider.
David ended this chapter in verse 8 with a promise, Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.
Consider the promises you’ve made to God. As we commit ourselves to Him, we promise to love and obey Him. To make Him King and Lord of our lives. Have we been led astray and turned to worldly endeavors rather than placing our trust and hope in Him? Selah once more, where is your praise, do you sing of His greatness? Join me as I renew my commitment and focus on the One True God. He is my refuge and hope in time of trouble.
