“In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalm 57:1
Emily and I took refuge within our home on Monday night as the storm beat rain and debris against the walls of our house. The wind whistled in the windows. We could hear the low roar of the gale. We could see the trees bending beneath the weight of the hurricane force winds. But we stayed safe and dry in the refuge of our home.
Kind David experienced a storm of his own. He was in the midst of being hotly pursued by King Saul, who intended to kill him. Enemies were on all sides. David fled to Achish the king of Gath, where he intended to serve the king in anonymity. But David was recognized and was forced again to flee for his life. Finally he came to the Cave of Adullam. In this humble cave he wrote Psalm 57.
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.” Psalm 57:1-3
David came to the realization that his only place of refuge from the storm was under the shadow of the Lord’s wings. All other safe havens had disappeared. God was loving and faithful and He would vindicate him. And as the story enfolds, we see indeed that God was his strong refuge and shelter. The Lord protected David from those who pursued him and eventually made him King over Israel.
When the storm surrounds you in your life, where do you find refuge? When the rain and debris pelt you from all sides, to who do you turn? Learn from King David. He knew that his refuge wasn’t a physical place, but a person. A person who is the calmer of the storm. Whom ‘even the wind and waves obey’. Mark 4:41
When the hurricane comes, take refuge within Jesus as Emily and I took refuge within our home. Cling to Him alone. Know that the roaring gale will not overtake you. For he is Lord over even the storm.
