A refuge is something we run to for safety, for protection. It shields us from harm and preserves our life. And everywhere in the songs of Israel, God is a refuge. We can’t run to God literally. He is in the kingdom of the heavens, we are on earth. So how do we experience God as a refuge when He is not physical?

The first question we can ask is, “What do I want my life to be hidden in?” I know, we don’t ask this question because it seems silly. But we are all trying to “hide” our life in something.

For instance, many men want to hide their life in success. Success is an insulator. It covers over a multitude of sins. Just look at famous, talented athletes. They get away with a great deal of wrongdoing simply because of their accomplishments. Success deflects critics. Critics question things that we do. Success says, “the results speak for themselves.”

Do you see how powerful this is? By placing our safety and well-being in success, we guard against criticism, our sins, our fear of being unknown. Many men are saying in their hearts, “Success is my refuge and strength.”

The same could be said for money, fame, the love of a spouse, being a good mother or father, religious performance, and a hundred other things. The list is long.

But God wants to be our refuge in the same way that we often run to something in creation.

Our life is “hidden” with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2). That means that our safety and well-being is solely rooted in the love and care of the risen Savior, who sits at the right hand of God.

Our identity no longer hangs on something as ephemeral as success, riches, romance, or religious performance. Those things can’t properly hide us and provide for us. They can’t insulate us from our sins, fears, and failures. They can’t make us humbly confident.

But Jesus can — He lives to represent you! So run to the Savior today — your “ever-present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).