How can we help others see God as a refuge in their lives? The Refuge Verse “ The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9) Who Needs a Refuge? • The oppressed—those weighed down by injustice, fear, or sorrow • Anyone facing “times of trouble”—loss, illness, relational fracture, uncertainty • Every sinner recognizing the coming judgment and needing rescue (Romans 3:23; Hebrews 9:27) Why God Alone Qualifies • Unchanging character: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) • Unlimited power: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) • Perfect knowledge: He sees the affliction others miss (Psalm 10:14) • Covenant faithfulness: He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2) • Open invitation: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Helping Others Recognize Their Need • Listen—hear the person’s story without rushing to fix it • Name reality—acknowledge oppression, fear, guilt, or confusion honestly • Trace the limits of human solutions—identify where medicine, money, or goodwill cannot reach the heart • Highlight universal brokenness—share your own need for refuge, avoiding a “rescuer” tone • Point to eternity—remind that temporal relief is incomplete without eternal security (John 3:16-18) Demonstrating God as Refuge Through Our Lives • Availability—be the “present help” that mirrors His presence • Consistency—keep promises; your reliability reflects His steadfastness • Holiness—live differently so people sense a safe, pure space around you (1 Peter 2:12) • Peace under pressure—let God’s peace guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7), showing where you hide • Joy amid trials—reveal the difference refuge makes (James 1:2-4) Speaking the Truth of Scripture Key verses to share conversationally or write in a note: • Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” • Nahum 1:7 – “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.” • Hebrews 6:18 – “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” • 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Offer to read these together, letting Scripture do its own persuading. Leading Others Into the Shelter 1. Invite response: “Would you like to talk to the Lord about this right now?” 2. Open the Word: read Psalm 9:9 aloud, then Psalm 9:10—“Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” 3. Explain the gospel plainly—sin, substitution, resurrection, repentance, faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 10:9-10). 4. Encourage first steps: join fellowship, begin daily Scripture reading (start with Psalms or John), memorize one refuge verse. 5. Walk with them—schedule follow-ups; model discipleship, not a one-time conversation. Encouragement for the Journey Every time we point a weary heart to the Lord, we align with His own desire: “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4) Keep living, speaking, and loving in ways that make those wings visible. |
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