What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord?

To take refuge in the Lord means to seek protection, safety, deliverance and comfort in the Lord.
We live in a world that is filled with threats, danger, enmity, uncertainty and wickedness. This world in its fallen state cannot give us peace and security. The world cannot fulfill our deepest spiritual needs.
In fact, the world itself with its culture and values is at enmity with God. Many of the systems of this world are designed to oppress and cause pain because the devil is described as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) who causes humanity to rebel against God.
Jesus stated that the world hates both Him and all followers of Christ (John 15:18). Jesus also stated that in this world we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33).

Therefore, in a world that has embraced sin, rebellion and wickedness, we ultimately need to seek protection, safety, deliverance and comfort from God Himself.

Psalm 18:2 says: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 46:1 says: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 37:40 reads: The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.

Taking refuge in God involves trusting in God’s love, mercy and goodness.
Psalm 34:8 says “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

We must also trust that He is gracious and willing to help us in our time of need. We must believe that God is good and ultimately God does not rejoice in our pain or struggles. Instead He uses our trials to develop our character and help us to become more like Jesus Christ.

Therefore taking refuge in God means that we trust in God and meditate on His goodness. We must believe that He loves us and that He is ever-present in the midst of our problems and challenges.

Making God our refuge also involves prayer and meditation upon His word. We must find comfort, strength and encouragement from the promises in the Bible. When we pray, we must ask for His presence and protection and guidance for every circumstance and situation in our life.

Psalm 119:114 says: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word.

To take refuge in God means that we must recognize our own frailty and weaknesses. We must become humble. We must come to the realization that without God, we can do nothing.
God is our true source for protection, strength, deliverance and peace. God is sovereign and He alone can deliver us from the challenges and wickedness that we face is in this world. Since God is in control, we can trust that He alone can ultimately work every circumstance in our life for good and to His glory (Romans 8:28).
By making God our refuge, we are trusting that nothing surprises God. So we trust that God will never leave us or forsake us because our life is in His good and capable hands.

Psalm 25:20 says: Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.

Psalm 91:2 reads: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 118:8 says: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

Whatever challenges we face in life, let us be encouraged to approach God and trust that He loves us and He is willing and able to protect us, deliver us, guide us and be our ever-present help in time of need.