The Hebrew noun for “refuge” here is an inaccessible, impregnable position, as reflected in the parallel phrase “a stronghold in times of trouble”

How should the believer respond to threatening circumstances?

The Bible gives us two basic choices:

(1) We can either flee to the hills, or

(2) we can take refuge in God.

“Shelter in Place”

· To “Shelter in place” is to seek safety within the building one already occupies, rather than to evacuate the area”

· The idea being you are safer to stay “put” rather than risk running into greater danger.

When tempted to flee the pressures of life, the Scriptures call us to hide ourselves in God.

· “Escaping” to “here or there” may prove to be only more treacherous

· Only God can offer true refuge from life’s dangers and the misery of our sin.

The Message: I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say, “Run to the mountains”. (Psalm 11:1)

How do you respond to difficult circumstances and trying times?

Do you run away from God’s presence?

Or do you run into his presence?

The verbal form of the noun “refuge” as in “take refuge,” also means “to trust”.

The way or means of taking refuge in God, is to trust Him

God is sovereign, he rules the earth and all that is in creation.

· We believe that God is all-powerful.

· His might is greater and stronger then the winds of turmoil that seem to prevail in our world.

Trust:

(1) Trust in their character;

(2) Trust in their competency

God’s Character: 1 Peter 5:7

God’s Competency (God is powerful and mighty): 2 Chronicles 20:5-6

David’s trust in the Lord is unwavering, his defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness.

He trusts in the sovereign will of God: My times are in your hands

All the events and circumstances of life in are in the hands of the Lord.

· Nothing takes him by surprise, he knows all.

· No power overwhelms Him, He is all powerful and over all

· Trust God to sovereignly act according to his eternal will and purposes.

Have you ever felt safe just because you were not alone, another person was present with you?

Our hiding place is in God’s Presence. It is there we are sheltered from human intrigue and danger.

It is in God’s presence that we are safe and protected.

The “shelter of God’s presence” is linked directly with the worship and adoration of God.

· It is as we worship and praise God, that we get our eyes off of our circumstance and deficiency and focus on God and his all-sufficiency.