Trusting in God for Refuge in Times of Need
The concept of trusting in God for refuge in times of need is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Psalms frequently express this idea, with Psalm 46:1 declaring, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" [1]. Similarly, Psalm 57:1 implores, "Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed" [2]. David also affirms this trust in II Samuel 22:3, stating, "I take refuge in God, my rock, my shield, and the strength of my salvation. My stronghold and my refuge, O my savior, you will save me from violence!" [3].
This theme is further developed in various biblical interpretations. John Gill, in his commentary on Psalms 46:1, notes that Christ is the refuge for souls to fly unto for safety, both for sensible sinners and for saints in times of distress [7]. The idea of God as a refuge is also linked to the concept of the cities of refuge under the legal dispensation. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, God is not only a refuge but also a source of strength, comfort, and preservation for those who trust in Him [4].
The biblical basis for trusting in God during affliction is multifaceted. It involves seeking God's presence and support, divine comfort, mitigation of troubles, and deliverance from sin and its consequences [5]. The Psalmist's affirmation of faith in God's justice, even in chaotic circumstances, underscores the importance of trust in God's protection and refuge (Psalm 11:1) [8].
Historically, this doctrine has been a cornerstone of Christian faith, with various traditions emphasizing its significance. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill's commentaries, highlights God's role as a refuge and strength to the poor and needy, especially in times of distress [10]. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as seen in Matthew Henry's commentary, exhorts believers to repose their confidence in God, emphasizing His role as a help and shield to those who trust in Him [9].
The biblical and interpretive sources converge on the notion that trust in God is not merely a passive act but an active engagement with His character and promises. As such, believers are encouraged to seek access to God through Christ and the Holy Spirit, obtained through faith and following reconciliation to God [6].
Sources
- Psalms “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -- Psalms 46:1”
- Psalms “Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed. -- Psalms 57:1”
- II Samuel “II Samuel 22:3 (LEB) — I take refuge in God, my rock, my shield, and the ⌞strength⌟ of my salvation. My stronghold and my refuge, O my savior, you will save me from violence!”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Access to God — Is of God -- Ps 65:4. Is by Christ -- Joh 10:7, 9; 14:6; Ro 5:2; Eph 2:13; 3:12; Heb 7:9, 25; 10:19; 1Pe 3:18. Is by the Holy Spirit -- Eph 2:18. Obtained through faith -- Ac 14:27; Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12; Heb 11:6. Follows upon reconciliation to God -- Col 1:21,22. In Prayer -- See Prayer. De 4:7; Mt 6:6; 1Pe 1:17. In his temple -- Ps 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4. To obtain mercy and grace -- Heb 4:16. A privilege of saints -- De 4:7; Ps 15:1; 23:6; 24:3,4. Saints have, with confidence -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16; 10:19,20. Vouchsafed to repenting sinners -- See Repen”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 46:1: God is our refuge and strength,.... That is, Christ, who is God as well as man, is the "refuge" for souls to fly unto for safety; as for sensible sinners, in a view of danger, wrath, and misery, so for saints, in every time of distress; typified by the cities of refuge, under the legal dispensation; See Gill on Psa 9:9; and he it is from whom they have all their spiritual strength, and every renewal and supply of it, to exercise grace, perform duties, withstand enemies, bear the cross patiently, show a fortitude of mind under the sorest distresses, and hold on and out”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 11:1: Ps 11 The psalmist affirms his faith in the righteous God. Even though the world appears hopelessly chaotic, both the godly and the wicked can count on God’s justice. The godly can depend on him as a refuge and shelter. 11:1 God provides protection (or refuge; see 5:11; 9:9; 25:20) when the foundations of justice collapse. • The mountains provide another place of refuge (see 121:1).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 115:9: In these verses, I. We are earnestly exhorted, all of us, to repose our confidence in God, and not suffer our confidence in him to be shaken by the heathens' insulting over us upon the account of our present distresses. It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every thing that is evil. Therefore, 1. Let Israel trust in the Lord; the body”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 25:4: For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress,.... The people of God, who are poor and needy, both in a literal and in a spiritual sense; and especially when under afflicted circumstances, in times of desertion, temptation, bodily affliction, and persecution from men, which may be here chiefly intended; to whom the Lord is a strength: he strengthens their hearts, and his own grace in them; he sheds abroad his love in their hearts, which makes their mountain to stand strong; he directs them to Christ, in whom is strength, as well as”