Scripture

Psalm 27:5 ESV

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon 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 know we belong to God and our souls are safe.

We find shelter under the cover of God’s tent, that is, in the holy place where his Spirit dwells. In the psalmist’s day, this holy place was the tent or tabernacle 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. It means trusting the Lord’s promise to never leave us but to walk with us and intercede on our behalf before the Father. It means leaning into the power of God’s might to defend us against the evil forces of this world and learning to wait and watch for his wise and faithful work in our lives.

Pray

Holy God, 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.

Reflect

2 Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 33:2

Ponder

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