Bible Book: Psalms
Chapter: 46
Verse: 1
Verse (to): 12
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines “refuge” as “a place or state of safety from danger or trouble”. By talking about a ready “refuge”, the Psalmist shows that the possibility of mankind getting into danger or trouble is obvious. However, his emphasis is not on the presence of the danger or trouble. He draws the attention of the reader to the existence of the refuge, who is the Lord Himself. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (verse 1 – NLT).
There are stories of refugees who are not allowed “safety” in some countries of the world. I imagine that it must be one of the hardest things in life for a tired and hopeless refugee to be denied refuge. The Psalmist further shows the supremacy of the refuge by saying that, regardless of the magnitude of the danger or trouble, the refuge is sufficient. “So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (verses 2&3 – NLT). It is a refuge for all seasons. The place is already set for the tired and hopeless refugee. There is also total trust in the refuge by the author. The size, strength or type of the danger or trouble is irrelevant – the refuge is sufficient.
HIV and AIDS are perhaps the biggest problems of our time. Both Christians and non-Christians have been shaken and terrorised by this pandemic to the extent of helplessness. The magnitude of the impact of the epidemic is incomprehensible. The data being released by experts regarding those who are infected and the impact this has on those who are affected by it is appalling.
Should we say, however, that HIV and AIDS is a danger or problem bigger than our refuge? The answer is obviously a very big NO. Remember, we have a sufficient refuge for all seasons.
Verses 8 and 9 invite us to come and see the works of the Lord. This should bring hope to us amidst the horror of HIV and AIDS and the suffering the world is going through. We have a Lord who is bigger than HIV and AIDS and all other problems.
To think about (or discuss): What can we do now so that those who are suffering can see the works of the Lord?
To think about (or discuss): What can we do now so that those who are suffering can see the works of the Lord?
Author: L Khanyanga
Language: English