“God is our refuge”

The title of the devotional seemed simple enough. My son and I finished reading when I asked what seemed like a straightforward question. 

“What does ‘refuge’ mean?”

When he hesitated, I took that as my cue to help him find context for this abstract concept by using an illustration. 

My mind quickly landed on one of his favorite boyhood games: The Nerf Gun War. Where boys become men, and friends become enemies (at least for the five minutes that they are on opposing teams!).  

During the war, the battle is intense. Darts fly. Brows drip with sweat. Conversations are heated as teammates call out to one another with strategies of attack. Some hide in trees or behind buildings, in hopes of outsmarting the enemy. 

Yet there is also, in this war, a designated place, a base, where those seeking safety can run. This place grants them a time-out of sorts, where they can no longer shoot or be shot at, according to the rules of the game. This is the refuge of the Nerf Gun War. 

Walking through this simple illustration with my son was eye-opening for me. I recalled several encouraging realities regarding taking refuge in Christ. 

As I run to refuge, choosing to leave behind cozy hiding places of insincerity, hypocrisy, and pride, I risk exposure and vulnerability. Seeking true Refuge requires honesty not only with the Lord, but with myself and with others. As I approach my refuge at the feet of Jesus, there is surrender, a timely cease of the wearying realities of battle. Here, my Redeemer defends and protects and grants me precious freedom to sit and not serve. I focus solely, if only for this moment, on rest and the Rest-Giver. 

If boys wielding nerf guns need a base, how much more do we as global women need a refuge?! Friend, the battle you face daily is very real (Ephesians 6:12), with more than nerf gun darts at play. All the more reason to run, pour out your heart, and seize the true refuge He offers (Psalm 62:8)!