Scripture Reading

Psalm 9:9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Insight on the Word

The word “refuge” used here in this passage is translated from the Hebrew word “misgab” and means “a cliff or inaccessible place.” The idea of refuge was very much in the mind of the Hebrew people. Under the Law if a person killed someone, since there were no police in Israel, it was the duty of the nearest relative of the victim to avenge the life that had been taken. If the death was an accident, then the perpetrator had one opportunity to save his life. He had to seek refuge in one of six cities designated as a “city of refuge.” It was here that his case would be heard before the elders. If the death he caused was proven to be an accident, then his life was spared. He had found his refuge!

In this life we may face times of trouble, and if we remain in the clutches of that trouble, it will soon take us under. God however has provided a “refuge” for His people. God has given the believer a cliff to hid in, a place in Him, that is inaccessible by the trouble that would plague us. It is in God’s presence that we find “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

How do we find this place of “refuge” with God? It is very simple, we place our “trust” in him! We know that our God is a good God. We believe that He is always there for us. We decide rather than running from Him in trouble we run to Him! As we flee our trouble and run unto God we have His promise: “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”

Speak the Word — If trouble comes I have a place of refuge in the Lord! (Psalm 9:9)

Daily Bible Reading — Deuteronomy 4 – 6