437. PSA 62:8. GOD THE REFUGE OF HIS PEOPLE

Psa_62:8. God The Refuge Of His People

"God is a refuge for us."’97Psa_62:8

The life of the godly man is one of exposedness to sorrow and peril. He participates in that trouble which is the common portion of all men. He with all others is liable to sickness, adversity, bereavements, and death. Born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. But in addition to these, he is in an enemy’s country. He is passing through a dreary wilderness, a wilderness of storms and dangers, where hostile hosts are leagued against him. Strengthless and insufficient of himself, this is his comfort and safety,’97God is his refuge, a present help in every time of trouble. We ask,

I. When is God a Refuge to his People?

He is so,

1. In the period of temptation When Satan comes in like a flood, &c. When he would sift as wheat. When his fiery darts are directed in fearful volleys against the people of God. These seasons are perilous, and would be fearfully fatal, were not God a refuge for us.

2. In the day of adversity.

When earthly good seems to forsake us. When our enjoyments fail. When providence seems adverse to us. When all appears to be against us. When created resources are dried up. To Jacob, to Job, to David, and to thousands, he has been their help and refuge.

3. In the night of affliction.

When health has been exchanged for sickness, strength for weakness, ease for pain, joy and gladness for weariness and decay,’97when wearisome days, &c., are appointed, when heart and flesh fail. None but his arm can then sustain, his presence cheer, his love console. He is the sick man’s refuge, when compelled to retire to his solitary chamber, a I lie upon the couch of pain.

4. In the solemnities of death.

Whence shall the spirit fly when chased out of her old habitation and abode? when she is no longer surrounded by the tabernacle of the body? Then the bosom of God is the refuge. The house not made with hands is the abode; the heavenly mansion, the dwelling, forever and ever. We inquire,

II. What sort of a Refuge God is to his People?

1. He is invulnerable.

In God is absolute security. A far more secure defence than the munition of rocks. "If God be for us." &c. "Who is he that shall harm us," &c. "In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."

2. He is a refuge ever near.

His omnipresence ever surrounds us Wherever we are, God is near at hand, and not afar off. No difficulty in coming to the refuge. Indeed, we cannot flee from him. We cannot go from the presence of his Spirit. See Psa_139:7, Psa_139:12.

3. Always accessible.

Not only near to us, but open to receive. Ready to shelter and to screen us. His eyes are ever upon the righteous, and his ears always open to their cry. In the day of trouble, he hears the prayer of the distressed, and sends deliverance, and enables them to glorify him.

4. Unchanging and eternal.

A refuge to his people in all countries, and ages, and generations. A refuge now, and always, and evermore. A refuge that never fails. A refuge in time and through all eternity. If God be such a refuge, then we infer, (1) The absolute security of his people. Amidst all the changes and revolutions around them, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, &c., "God is their refuge, a very present help in trouble." (2) The confidence they should feel towards God. Trust in him at all times and forever. Commit all to his care and keeping. (3) The course they should pursue in all their troubles. Flee to God. Seek his almighty help and succor. Fervently call upon his holy and gracious name. (4) Let the sinner flee by faith in Christ to this refuge, that he may escape the storms of unending wrath in the world to come.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS