God Our Refuge

Photo Credit: Benjamin Joyce

By Lisa Peat

Throughout the psalms, God is referred to as “our refuge.” The dictionary defines “refuge” as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. 

Hebrews 1:3 explains beautifully why Jesus is our place of refuge. The glory of God came to dwell among us through the person of Jesus. 

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

Just as the sun radiates heat and light, Jesus radiates the Glory of God and shines the light of God’s presence into our lives. “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

Jesus is the perfect representation of God’s character. If you want to know who God is and what He is like, look to Jesus. In Jesus, you see the heart of God — His truth, compassion, love, righteousness, justice, mercy, and grace. Jesus had compassion for the hurting, forgiveness for sinners, and righteous anger against injustice. 

Jesus holds the universe together by His word. At creation, Jesus spoke the world into being (Hebrews 11:3). With His word, He calmed the sea (Matthew 8:26). With His word, He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43). Jesus’ words are powerful: nothing is outside of His control, and we can have complete confidence in His sovereignty and power. 

Jesus has cleansed us from all our sin and has made us acceptable to God. At the cross, Jesus gave His very life to redeem us back to God. He took our sin and shame and endured the wrath of God so we would be free from sin, righteous in Him, and fully acceptable to God. 

Jesus finished the work God sent Him to do and He is seated in honor and power at God’s right hand. He defeated sin, Satan, and death and reigns as King. Jesus intercedes for us, represents us, and advocates for us. “We can come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16).

Jesus is above all, has power over all, and is our perfect place of refuge. We can trust in His unchanging character and mighty power. God is who He says He is, God will do what He said He will do, and we are who God says we are. Rest safe and secure in Jesus, your refuge.