REFUGE COLLECTION

Refuge is a safe place providing shelter from danger or trouble, where one puts their trust and flees to for protection. I picture birds and other animals taking refuge in trees under its branches, and as I created this collection I meditated on the fact that God is the only true refuge. In times of trouble, we can find safety and refuge in him and his Word. People often find security in things other than God, but such things can only provide a false and temporary sense of security. The things of this world are unstable, whereas God and his kingdom are stable, secure, and never shaken. His Word is a place of safety because it provides us with all the answers to our worries and anxieties, and everything we need to know to navigate through life. It guides and leads us through troubling times as we obey and trust it over everything, even when we don’t understand it and even when it seems foolish to the world.

Although we can’t physically run into God’s presence when we are faced with tangible, physical trouble, God has provided a way that He is with us (through the indwelling Holy Spirit, given to those who believe in his Son). The Spirit is the source of our strength in troubling times and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). This is why we don’t need to fear (Psalms 46:2) no matter how bad things may seem, but we can face our situation confidently knowing that God is with us and that nothing happens outside of his will. Trust in him at all times, and may the joy of the Lord be our strength as we rest in His protection during the troubles of this life. The Lord our God is our refuge.

“Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalms‬ ‭34:8 WEB)