Refuge in God's Protection

Having lived most of my life in safe, stable environments, I felt nothing less than secure and protected. My life was predictable, simple, monotonous even. It was like living in a bubble, one that never seemed to be in danger of popping.

But all bubbles have to pop eventually, and mine was no exception. It happened while I was managing our small family business. We were no stranger to neighborly animosity, but what we never expected of our business activities was to attract the attention of unscrupulous elements in the area. I became the target of veiled threats against my safety and security, all of which made me feel exposed and vulnerable. I was an especially easy target since I had a fairly predictable routine: leave home, drive to the office, pick up the kids at school—all in the same car, taking the same route, at the same time of the day, every day, like clockwork. I couldn’t even fathom the worst-case scenario, the thought of my kids having to live without a mother at such a young age.

The gripping fear I felt shook me to my very core, especially because this wasn’t some imaginary threat. It was real. It was imminent, and it was headed for us any day. Each second seemed like a second closer to my doom. My thoughts were a constant string of “Is there someone spying on the store? Am I being followed? Is today the day they finally get me?”

For the first time in my life, I felt the kind of gripping, paralyzing fear that stops you in your tracks and leaves you utterly breathless. Tears became my companion by day and at night, anxiety filled my heart to the brim.

Until I heard these words from the Word Himself:

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 16:1) I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me (Psalm 17:6-9 NIV)

These words rang in my head until they became a personal prayer, one which the Lord answered through means nothing short of miraculous. He sent us a friend whose brother was a devout Christian, passionate in influencing others for the Lord. God used him to solve the situation in ways we couldn’t even imagine, let alone anticipate. The would-be perpetrators were apprehended, their plans were thwarted, and we regained a sense of safety and security again. We were overcome with joy because of His unfailing love. He saw our troubles and heard the anguish of our souls. Under His wings, we found refuge and we were safe because of His mighty hands.

Is there something that’s making you anxious and afraid today? Whatever it is, release it and place it in the able hands of Jesus. He is the God who is always with us, He is right beside us, and we will not be shaken, come what may. We need not live in fear or dread of what is to come, for we can confidently trust the Lord to care for us (Psalm 112:7). We can come to the Lord and He can keep us safe, for He is our refuge.

~

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.