In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain.
Psalms 11:1 NIV
David’s words in Psalm 11:1 offer more than poetic expression—they speak of a deep, unwavering trust in God. He did not flinch or retreat in the face of danger. Instead, his confidence rested in a truth he had already embraced: his life was hidden in the arms of God.
When everything around us begins to crumble—when enemies rise, fears threaten, and storms rage—it is easy to feel overwhelmed. In such moments, the need for a place of safety becomes undeniable. Yet David was not scrambling to find cover. He had already taken refuge in God long before the day of trouble arrived.
The Message translation brings this to life: “I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God.” It is a powerful reminder that we must seek refuge before crisis comes. If we wait until calamity strikes, we may find ourselves spiritually exposed and ill-prepared. Now, not later, is the time to rest in God’s embrace.
This raises a sobering reality. Many people do not truly recognise God as their refuge. In times of difficulty, we often draw our hearts toward counterfeit comforts—wealth, influence, or the illusion of control. We may believe that financial security or influential relationships will carry us through the storm. But these, though they may be useful in some measure, were never meant to hold our trust. They are fragile shelters and often fail us when we need them most.
True refuge lies only in the arms of God. Scripture reminds us in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Jesus is not a backup plan—He is our only Saviour. His arms are open, strong, and steady through every season.
It’s vital to understand that being in church or engaging in religious routines is not the same as abiding in God. David’s strength came not from attending the tabernacle, but from walking closely with the Lord. His refuge was in a Person, not a place. He knew what it meant to dwell in God before trials came, and he remained there even when the pressure mounted.
Abiding in God must be our way of life, not just a response to hardship. When we make Him our dwelling place daily, we find an ever-present victory in Him, not limited to the past or postponed for the future. Living in the arms of God grants us peace today and strength for whatever lies ahead.
The call, then, is to seek the Lord now. Not when fear knocks. Not when disaster hits. But today. If we abide in Him today, we will not panic tomorrow. If our hearts are resting in Him now, we won’t need to search frantically for peace when trouble comes. We will already be safe—wrapped in the arms of God.
Yet, remaining in Him also demands that we walk in holiness. Sin distances us from His presence. As 1 John 3:5 tells us, “In Him is no sin.” To persist in sin is to step outside of His covering. And outside His covering lies uncertainty and danger.
We are to live with intention and purity. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts us, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Holiness is not optional—it is the path that keeps us close to the One who keeps us safe.
So let us not wait for trouble before seeking refuge. Let us choose, daily, to run into the arms of God. In Him, we find not just protection, but the kind of peace that withstands every storm. He alone is our sure and lasting refuge. And when we abide in Him, He will never leave us exposed.
Living It Out
Don’t wait for the day of trouble to seek the Lord. Choose to take refuge in Him today through prayer, surrender, and obedience. Cultivate a consistent walk with Him so that when storms come, your heart is already anchored in safety. Resist the temptation to rely on the world’s systems for your security. Instead, run to the One who never fails. In the Lord, you will find lasting peace, unwavering strength, and eternal refuge.