This verse is well known, though only the first part is normally quoted. The second part is how we will know that the Lord is good. We will be blessed as we take refuge in Him. There are many verses that tell us to take refuge in the Lord. We will see just some of the benefits of this and what it means.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in man. Psalms 118:8 NASB1995
How many of us trust man more than rely upon God. We trust what the doctors say, politicians, financial institutions, News, the weather man, bosses, friends, even Christian leaders, all can have bigger influence upon our lives than we let God have. Do we really trust God to fulfil His word in our lives?
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 NASB1995
Here God promises protection. That does not mean that we will not go through trials. It means that we are never alone, for we have the creator with us. In fact, we have been designated angels to protect us. The angel of the Lord encamps round about us. We also have the word of God to trust.
I am reminded of what Elisha said to his servant as he saw the mass of the Assyrian army surrounding them. “Do not fear, for those who are for us are more than those who are with them” Elisha then prayed to open his servants eyes, and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Yet they were not needed to go into battle. Elisha prayed again and the whole of the Assyrian army were struck blind.
Elisha did not trust what he saw, men. Nor the angels that were ready to protect him, He trusted in the Lord. He took refuge in the Lord. When we see trouble coming upon us, will we see and fear, or will we take refuge in the Lord?
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 NASB1995
Every word of God is tested! I think that here it is saying that if we trust God’s word, it will be tested in our lives. The enemy will try us and test our faith in God and His word. Trials and tribulation do not come from God, but God will use them to strengthen us as we take refuge in Him.
The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 NASB1995
In the middle of a prophesy against the enemies of God we find this verse. We will have enemies come against us. It may be people, but we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness. God knows those who take refuge in Him and He becomes our stronghold, in the spiritual battle.
We as Christian humans still see many of our battles as physical, when really they are spiritual. We can get angry at people, and attack in defence. When we should take refuge in the Lord. Let Him deal with the situation. This is one way of resisting the devil. And have him flee from us.
A few times in my life when I have resisted the temptation to retaliate to someone, and taken refuge in the Lord, the person has come back later and apologised for their behaviour or words. That is God fulfilling His word in our lives.
I think of David being pursued by Saul for twelve years, to kill him. David had at least two opportunities to end the trouble by killing Saul. Instead, he relied upon the promises of God to make him king, saying do not touch God’s anointed. David knew that his battle was not with the man, but it was a spiritual battle.
When things get too much for us; when we cannot cope in our own strength; when hard times, trials and tribulations come, we must take refuge in the Lord. He will deliver us from all our troubles. That is God’s promise for everyone who takes refuge in Him.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalms 34:4-8
We come back to the Psalm we started out with. Seek the Lord take refuge in Him. He will deliver us from all our fears and save us from all our troubles. I could go on for a long time write much about this theme. Maybe a topic for another book! I leave you with this Psalm.
O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah. Psalms 3:1-8
Will you trust in men, in what you see in the world; in your situation, or will you take refuge in the Lord and be blessed?
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessings
Charlie
FREEDOM IN CHRIST 