My Place of Refuge — Carole Schryber

I know it has been ages since I have written a blog. To my faithful readers, I apologize! But let me explain…three weeks ago I had a double fusion in my spine, and two days later an additional surgery to insert screws for stabilization. I am now a card-carrying member of individuals who cannot go through a metal detector!

I will not pretend that the recovery has been easy. Many days I have questioned whether I had correctly discerned the necessity for the surgery because of the seemingly excessive pain and discomfort. I have had to continually remind myself that I and others had prayed over the decision, and I had received several confirmations that this was the necessary course of action. I also had to remind myself of the chronic back pain I have endured over the past few years.

I know the next few months will be full of ups and downs, but I am grateful that I have been able to see God’s hand through many of the challenges. Every mountain and valley we go through are opportunities to learn more about Him. So if I had to name just one of the many lessons I have learned over the past weeks, what would it be?

God is my refuge.

Before the surgery I had begun re-reading the Psalms. What struck me this go-around was the number of times the Psalmist refers to God as his refuge. I counted at least 47. It is not an overstatement to say that this is one of the primary themes of the Psalms. Yet, I am not sure I have ever fully appreciated what it means to have God as my refuge until these past few weeks.

Several years ago, Northern Virginia experienced an earthquake. I was home alone when my house shook, glasses rattled, and a few framed pictures fell off a table. In the instant I realized it was an earthquake, I ran down to my basement to take refuge. Later, my family laughed at my decision. Fortunately, the earthquake was mild as far as earthquakes go, because I have since learned that the basement is the last place someone should seek refuge (I was perhaps thinking of tornadoes?)! Apparently, knowing where to go for refuge is vital information. Where we take refuge can mean the difference between life and death.

I have learned that spiritually, the only one place to go in storms is God. He is our refuge in many ways , but for me, this identity has signified that God is my safe place. The world may be shaking beneath me, yet I have experienced the truth that the Psalmist recorded. The imagery in the Psalms is that of protection and shelter. While God has not removed my pain, I have been able to endure because I know that He is with me and loves me. I have had a peace knowing that He is with me and loves me.

Perhaps my favorite of the Psalms is Psalm 91. While I don’t usually use The Message as a Bible translation, it often helps us give understanding of a passage. Consider the following imagery of God as our refuge:

You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!” (Psalm 91)

I can rest in His presence. He is my home. I can hold on to Him for dear life during the worst of times. Yes, I know where to go for refuge. He is indeed the difference between life and death!

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