When everything around seems uncertain and unpredictable, it is only natural to search for something that will give certainty and security. That is what a good friend of mine decided to do. His search for a rock-solid guarantee of something or someone who would take care of him as he faced many challenges came after a long period of ignoring God. It was only after he had exhausted all other possible avenues of help and support that he ‘gave in’ to God. Self-assurance, pride, stubbornness and a genuine belief that asking God for help really was off the beaten track had kept him from finding refuge in the Almighty. 

This psalm reminds the believer that the Most High is the source of refuge in the midst of trouble (v 2). It also asks readers to nurture trust in God, entrusting one’s whole life to him. Let’s not overlook the profound truth that this transcendent God, the Most High, seeks to enter into relationship with those who engage with him (verse 9: ‘If you say…’). The psalmist invites us to try out this ‘dwelling place’ because it offers protection from everything that may threaten you – all you have to do is take a chance on God’s care and love for you, which does not have a ‘use by’ date (vs 14–16).

Take time to pray through this psalm, personalising each sentence. As you read and pray, give God thanks as you think about how this applies to you.

For many years this psalm was one of my go-to scriptures, especially in a time when I faced a number of challenges. It is a wonderful psalm, rich with promises, but also founded upon certain conditions. It is too easy to read the promises of rest, refuge and protection, without thinking about the conditions. Yet we know that to experience eternal life we need first to meet the condition of following Jesus. This psalm encourages us, or requires of us, that we take God seriously.

Among the encouragements from this psalm, we read what we are to ‘say’ (vs 2,9). This is no lip service to God, rather a declaration that is mirrored in our lifestyle. Do we really believe that we can trust God? That God is our refuge and fortress? Are God and God’s kingdom our ‘dwelling’ (vs 1,9)? It can be hard to trust in God when many people around us are putting their hope in some other source. The challenge for us, though, is to continue to trust in God. Finding other people who also trust in him can be a great source of strength when we are faced with difficulties. That is one reason why God has given us the church, so that we can be there and help each other – and be reminded to trust in God.

Having aligned our lives to trust in God, we can then start to believe that we shall receive the wonderful promises in this psalm. In particular, it speaks to those who are under attack, whether physical, mental or spiritual. God offers us a refuge. Just as Jesus wanted to gather the people like a hen does her chicks,¹ so, even now, we can find comfort and refuge in the loving embrace of our Saviour.

Perhaps you know someone who is going through a hard time. First of all pray for them, then find a way to encourage them in their trust of God.

¹ Luke 13:34