Day 110, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 7, 35, 57, 142
Where is our Refuge?
As the seasons change, showers may spring up, and then dangerous storms. Tornadoes, gale-force winds, and heavy rains with lightning sometimes follow as cold and warm weather fronts clash. Where can we find refuge? We immediately flee to sturdy buildings, basements, storm cellars, and away from windows!
There are other kinds of tempests—sickness and disease, financial crisis, and rocky relationships. Where can we find help? Where can we find our refuge?
A storm of jealousy
In recent Bible studies, we have seen David experiencing a storm caused not by sickness but by jealousy and hatred. King Saul is insane over David’s success and popularity. He hates David, although his son-in-law has done nothing but good for him (Psalm 35:12-14). Now he pursues him relentlessly.David and his men scurry around crags of rock, hiding from King Saul’s select army of 3,000 chosen men. Saul orders them to find David and kill him. However, David respects God’s choice of Saul as king and does not engage them in battle.
One of the places David and his men secrete themselves is in the back of a cave. Saul enters there to sleep. David’s men want him to seize the opportunity and kill their enemy, but David cuts off a piece of the king’s robe. Immediately his conscience convicts him—no one is to touch the LORD’s anointed!
After Saul leaves the cave, and from a safe distance, David calls out to him and explains what he has done. When Saul hears David tell him of his kindness in sparing his life, Saul returns home, ashamed of himself for his unfounded actions toward his son-in-law. Interestingly, Saul prophesies that David will be king and asks him to spare killing all Saul’s family. David agrees. When the king leaves, David remains in the stronghold.
Where to go for refuge
David writes Psalms 57 and 142 while he is in the cave (a writer or composer usually finds a way to record his thoughts). He may have also written the other Psalms in today’s Bible reading while Saul pursued him. In Psalms 57 and 142, we can see his desperate plea for God’s help. The cave is a temporary shelter, but ultimately where does David go for refuge?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed (Psalm 57:1, NIV).
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living” (Psalm 142:3-5, NIV).
David goes to the LORD when he is in trouble—the LORD is his refuge.
Personal faith, not desperation
Are these just fox-hole prayers? Fox-hole prayers are pleas to God offered only when a person is in dire straits. For instance, a soldier might offer a desperate plea when hiding from the enemy with no means of escape. It may sound something like this: “If there is a God up there listening, I am in great trouble. Please help me! Get me out of this, and I’ll owe you one.” No, David’s prayer is not a fox-hole prayer, although he is in danger. His prayer is much more personal and reveals a dependence on the LORD. David has confidence in God, even before the LORD delivers him (Psalm 57:7). Such confidence requires a personal relationship with God (Psalm 142:5).Who is our refuge during outbreaks of sickness and disease, financial crisis, or troubled relationships? Why not go to the LORD? He has the power to change circumstances. If we trust him for our salvation, he will not disappoint us (more...). A close personal relationship with the LORD gives us confidence in him during days of distress.
Focus Verse
Psalm 142:5 (NIV) “I cry to you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’”
Discussion
Where do people go for their refuge in times of danger and distress? Where is the best place?
How can we have confidence in God that he will deliver us or be with us through trials? What is required?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: While David is biding his time in the desert waiting for deliverance, he protects a businessman’s assets (sheep). Find out what happens in our Next Lesson called Foolishness versus Wisdom.
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