Scripture

Psalm 27:5 (NRSV, revised for the Book of Common Worship)

For on the day of trouble the LORD shall shelter me in safety; the LORD shall hide me in the secrecy of the holy place and set me high on a rock.

Consider

No matter how threatening our troubles or how confusing our situation, we always have a refuge in God.

Our “day of trouble” may be conflict with a coworker or betrayal by a friend. It may be unexpected economic hardship, job loss, or moving to an unfamiliar place and starting over. Our day of trouble may have already stretched into months or years of laboring with ongoing problems, such as domestic abuse, physical disability or disease, or estrangement from a family member. We may be coping with our own failing health or facing the loss of a loved one.

The psalmist reminds us that God offers us shelter in these times of trouble. God does not promise us a cure or solution to our troubles but rather a safe haven in the midst of our suffering because we trust that God is loving, good, and sovereign. When we seek refuge with God, he gives us comfort and peace despite our troubles, hope in the midst of confusion, and strength that lifts us out of our weakness and sets us “high on a rock,” above our troubles because we are saved and forgiven through the blood of Jesus.

We find God’s shelter in “the holy place,” where the Spirit dwells. In the psalmist’s day, the holy place was the tent of the Lord; in Jesus’ day it was the temple in Jerusalem. For the church today, the holy place is wherever we are because God’s Spirit lives in us. The place is secret and unseen, an intensely intimate encounter with our Creator that confounds unbelievers because they have no knowledge of such a place or its transforming power.

Taking refuge in God’s holy place means clinging to God when our troubles threaten to overwhelm us. We reject the rule of the world for the rule of Christ, and God rewards us with peace and courage and victory so profound as to defy worldly reason or understanding.

Pray

FATHER, thank you for offering me refuge in my day of trouble. Give me eyes of faith to see you when worries blind me to your saving presence. By your miraculous means, keep my feet firmly planted on the safe rock that is Jesus Christ—the way, the truth, and the life that guides me to your holy shelter.

Reflect

2 Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 33:2

Ponder

In what ways might God shelter you in times of trouble?