There is an old saying about difficult times, “Any port in a storm”. This quote was written by John Cleland in 1749 and the saying suggests that during difficult times you do not need a perfect solution, you just need a solution for the moment.

While this thought may work well for some, it does not work well for the children of God. 

Living in a world filled with uncertainty.

As a people, we have come through two years of trials and tribulations. We watched as our economy and families were pushed to the brink, only to see our lives again being pushed into uncharted waters of uncertainty. While we cannot control these ongoing trials, we can control how we react to them. 

Why do we choose to take refuge in the enemy’s port during the storm? The reality that we must come to grips with is that we often settle or “take what we can get” because it is easier than waiting for the right opportunity.

What do we do next? 

Jesus told us “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

Many of us worry as we watch what is happening all around us. Everything is costing more while some items are becoming difficult to find, all while governments are battling each other in words and actions. All these things bring anxiety and uncertainty to our lives.

Jesus said “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (Luke 12:22-26). 

Why do we choose to short-change ourselves when there is something better available? 

Refuge 

Throughout the Word of God we find many common themes, but for this message we are focusing on the topic of the refuge of God. 

The word refuge is defined as “something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger.” Other words that denote refuge are sanctuary, stronghold and fortress.

We have all had the experience of standing on a porch and watching a thunderstorm passing right over us. We watch the lightning and we begin counting the seconds until we hear the thunder. Yet we never stood in the storm with rain pouring on our head waiting for the lightning. Why? Because it was dangerous! 

In this day that we live, there are many dangers we will face. We must decide now to choose a better shelter from the storm. 

The Psalmist said, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,  my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2). 

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength,  an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

We must choose to look to the Father in heaven for our strength to withstand what we are facing. We must seek out God alone as the shelter from these storms.

In 2 Samuel 22, we find King David singing, “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.(31-33) 

Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is flawless;  he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” 

Psalm 18:1-3 says, “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.”

The writers of 2nd Samuel, Psalms and Proverbs have revealed these truths about God.  His word is flawless and He shields ALL WHO TAKE refuge in Him.

Why should we take refuge in God?

In Nahum 1:7 it says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,..”

The writer of the Psalms tells us, “In my distress I called to the Lord;  I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears…He reached down from on high and took hold of me;  he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy,  from my foes, who were too strong for me.” Psalm 18:6, 16-17

Ruth 2:12 says ,“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

God’s Refuge and the means of escape.

While we all want to escape the current events that we are watching around us, the real enemy is separation from God. This separation comes from temptation and allowing that temptation to lead us into sin.

1 Peter 5 tells us to, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” 1 Pet 5:6-8

Temptation is the tool of the enemy,  and like a worm on a hook, it is what he uses to draw you into his trap. We have all been tempted before and we will be again. Like the aforementioned worm, temptation is specific to the person.  James 1:14 -15 (AMP)says, “ But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.” 

1 Cor 10:13 (AMP)  says, “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].” 

Paul tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.  Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. Heb 4:15-16 (AMP)

Many say this was only possible because Jesus was God. James 1:13 tells us, “ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

When we are tempted by anything that would want to draw us away from God, we must run to the father who will give us sanctuary. God is our fortress, a high-walled place of safety (Psalm 91:2). Like the shepherd to the sheep, God guards over us all the hours of the day. (John 10:11)

Do not take the bait. Do not walk away from the covering.

John 10:28-29 says, “I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand (Jesus). My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

We are often told, “if I repeat something, it is important”. 

We cannot be snatched (removed) from the hand of God, the enemy cannot just walk up and take us from the protection of God. The enemy will attempt to bait you to lead you away. (James 1:14-15) Don’t fall for the bait and trap of the enemy but when you see the bait, look for the way out that God has provided.

2 Peter 3:17-18 says, “Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

Much like choosing to remain on the porch during a thunderstorm, we must choose to remain under God’s covering. God is the only safe port for the storms of this life.