In the book of Psalms, chapter 46, verses 1–2: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Also in Psalms 91:2, and in many other passages in the Bible, this truth is confirmed. It is as though God is so particular that we should know and understand that He is a refuge, a stronghold, a shield, and a covert to His children.
A refuge is a place, person, or thing that provides shelter, protection, safety from danger or distress, and comfort. God provides physical safety, emotional and mental relief, and every other intervention required by His children.
A shield is a protective device used as a barrier against weapons and hazards.
A covert is something hidden or secret, a disguise. It is a place not openly acknowledged, often used to describe actions, especially in military surveillance and operations.
A Savior, on the other hand, is one who rescues, protects, or delivers from danger, harm, or difficult situations.
Now, when you combine these attributes, it means that if you are in any trouble, He will provide shelter, protection, and safety from danger or distress. As your Shield, He will cover you from the fiery darts of the enemy. He will protect you from the arrows that fly by day, from the pestilence that walks in darkness, and from the destruction that wastes at noonday. And as a Covert, He will hide you in His secret pavilion. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Perhaps you are already deep in situations beyond your power, He is ready to save you, rescue you, and deliver you.
* He is strength to the needy in distress
* He is a refuge for the oppressed in the day of trouble
* He covers and protects from the heat, the storm, and the rain
Isaiah 25:4–5 sums it up beautifully: “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.”
In 2 Samuel 22:1–8, David attested to this after the Lord delivered him out of the hand of ALL his enemies, mark that word, ALL. I can go on and on about God’s attributes as a Refuge, a Covert, a Shield, and a Savior. He has been all this and more in my own life. But I want you to know that all these attributes will mean nothing to you if you do not run to Him. As I said earlier, His name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
No matter what you are going through, if you will just open your heart sincerely to Him, acknowledge that you have failed, that your efforts have amounted to nothing, and that you truly need His help, He will respond to your call. He is looking for those on whose behalf He will show Himself strong. He will not and cannot turn away from a broken heart and a contrite spirit (Psalms 34:18).
Isaiah 57:15 says: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Your journey to this blog today is not an accident. Have you handed over the reins of your life to Him? Have you confessed and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Friends, there is no help elsewhere. All help from other sources apart from God always comes with a cost, it is never free. The devil will not tell you what you have to pay if you accept help from him, but be assured, you will pay dearly. You may even find yourself in your current situation because you sought help from him or his agents, trusting and obeying someone or something other than your Creator.
But my friend, all hope is not lost. The Refuge, Shield, Savior, and Covert is ready to help you if only you will reach out to Him now. Time is not on your side, do it now before it is too late. Open your heart and cry out to Him. He alone is your way out of this messy situation. He alone can deliver to the uttermost.
There is hope for you, my friend. He loves you so much. Grab the lifeline He is offering you with both hands right now.