Our Refuge

Deuteronomy 33:27

The Bible often employs imagery (figures of speech, metaphors) such as "Zeph 2:3." Through communion, fellowship, and intimacy with Him, our hearts are encouraged and renewed (Ps 69:32-1Cor 13:11), and we strive daily to seek refuge in the shadow of His wings. (Ps 17:8—extract). In fact, if it is the "shadow of Shaddai," a SHADOW is the safest place to hide in the universe, because "He who dwells in the shelter (Hebrew = "HIDING PLACE") of the Most High (El Elyon) will dwell in the SHADOW of the Almighty." (Ps 91:1 note) "A place of tranquil repose exists...Sweetheart, a place of solace can be found close to the heart of God. "A location where we encounter our Savior, in close proximity to the heart of God." (Cleland McAfee hurried to his HIDING PLACE after learning that two of his cherished nieces had succumbed to diphtheria. Despite his profound sorrow, he managed to compose the hymn "Near to the Heart of God," the lyrics of which have consoled countless bereaved saints throughout the years.)

Because Scriptures including Ps 32:7-note and Ps 119:114-note equate the Place with the Person (and presence) of Jehovah, I have chosen to capitalize HIDING PLACE. New Testament believers, similar to David and other OT saints, find eternal security in Christ (in Christ Jesus, in Him, in the Lord, etc.). This phrase appears more than eighty times to describe our "impeachable and unreproveable" status as new creations in Christ (Col 1:22KJV-note, 2Cor 5:17-note, 1Cor 1:30-note). Indeed, Paul affirms that "we have died (with Christ, having been crucified; see Galatians 2:20; Philippians 6:6; note: Romans 6:6; perfect tense: eternally concealed!) and our life is HIDDEN (in the presence of God, in Christ." (Division 3:3 remark) Every man will either hide FROM Him (Rev 6:16-note) or be discovered hidden IN Him (Ro 8:1-note) on the day of His judgment. In fact, to evade His presence at that time would be to remain in His presence at this very moment (Jude 24–25).

"There is no other lamb, no other name, no other hope in heaven, earth, or sea, no other place to hide from shame and guilt, and no one else but Thee. Christina Rosetti

While all believers are positionally in Christ and, consequently, in their "hiding place," our objective should be to develop a more experiential understanding of our "hiding place" on a daily basis so that our position becomes our practice, orthodoxy, and orthopraxy (Greek "orthopraxis" means "correct action")! David acquired the ability to survive in his HIDING PLACE by enduring a variety of tribulations. The experience of pain can inspire one to seek out the Person of Christ. Similarly, we must persevere through a variety of trials in order to "find the proof of our faith, which is more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, to result in adoration, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Pe 1:6-7 addendum) We therefore learn to RUN by faith rather than sight (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 12:2) as we endure our own tribulations, into the great NAME of the LORD, which serves as our HIDING PLACE. Solomon reminds us in Psalm 18:10 that this Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower, and that those who run into it in righteousness find refuge there (literally translated as "lifted up" in Hebrew). Although our ordeal may persist without resolution, we are miraculously "lifted up" and granted the ability to experience the safety and security of Christ Jesus, who is ever-present, all-powerful, and all-sufficient—as our HIDING PLACE. Therefore, bear in mind that genuine safety and security do not consist of the absence of peril, but rather of Christ's presence within us and us within Him, notwithstanding the peril (see Paul's experience in 2 Timothy 4:16–18). May the guidance of the Holy Spirit enable us to discover the "secret to being filled and going hungry, of having abundance and suffering need," so that we may be able to confidently pledge our faith alongside Paul, "I can do all things through Christ, Who continually strengthens me" and "in the secret place (Heb = hiding place) of His presence" during "the day of trouble." (2 Corinthians 4:11–13, Ps 31:20, Ps 27:5)

When David acknowledged his sin in Psalm 32, he exchanged concealing his transgressions for a concealing PLACE in the Sin Coverer (Ps 32:1-note, Ps 85:2-note, Ro 4:7-note), which consistently offers the penitent a place of refuge. David proclaimed, "You are my HIDING PLACE" (Lxx = refuge, means of escape; Hebrew = cether, which means secret location). I am protected from trouble, distress, and crushing external circumstances by your watchful guardianship. You envelop and surround me with melodies that proclaim deliverance, rescue, and redemption. (A call to halt and reflect on the gracious words of David!)" Notably, David used "MY" Hiding place rather than "A" Hiding place. "Personal claims upon our God are the delight of the spiritual life," observes Spurgeon. "To place our hand on the Lord with a personal "MY" clasp is complete delight." As previously mentioned, although God does not consistently spare us from adversity, we find solace (relief) when we enter our hiding place amidst the difficulty. Additionally, it is worth noting that David asserts that his HIDDEN PLACE is Jehovah Himself, and that unacknowledged sin grants access to His "secret place." Spurgeon further asserts that "the individual who was oppressed by the presence of God in Psalm 32:4 finds refuge in Him in this place." The power of sincere confession and complete absolution is evident. By means of His Gospel of Substitution, Jehovah transforms from a Judge (2 Timothy 4:1-note; John 5:22, 27) into the God of our Refuge (Ps 142:5-note).