- Strong Refuge
Psalm 71:7
I am as a wonder unto many;
But thou art my strong refuge.
Many times God promises that He will be a strong refuge for us. A refuge is simply a “safe place.” Men seek refuge from a storm, from fierce battle, from marauding enemies, from bullies, from wild beasts, from slavery, from tyranny, and from any kind of physical or material danger. That image of a safe place free from danger, of a place of protection and safekeeping, of hunkering down while the enemy rages without is a clear metaphor for the promises of a strong refuge in the spiritual world.
The spiritual storms, battles and dangers in the spirit are even greater for they may affect eternity: losing eternity would be a far greater loss than anything we can imagine. The enormity of this danger does not keep the enemies away, but through hatred spurs them on to wreak greater havoc in our life and hope, joy and peace.
God Himself is the strong refuge; run to Him and be safe. The Holy Spirit though the Word stirs us up to repentance and confession of sins; then He makes absolutely certain the forgiveness of sins to our hearts through the Gospel. Now we are in a safe place, a strong refuge, secure in Him, where no harm or danger can touch us.
By faith we live and walk inside the refuge. The outward result is that we become as a wonder to many. Many see a calm, composed assurance, often confused with self-confidence or self-assurance, which is given by God inside the refuge.