Troubled people often long for a place to hide. That is exactly what the Lord offers. Refuge here means “hill-fort.” David must have been thinking of one of the hill-forts where he had sought refuge during one of his many times of trouble. See how many times he uses this precious likeness to our Lord:

“Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge” (Psalm 14:6). “…be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1). “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 59:16). “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:7-8). “I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge” (Psalm 71:7). “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Psalm 91:2). “I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living” (Psalm 142:5).

Trouble can be going on all around one who is in a safe refuge and yet he will be secure. Perhaps your sea is storm-swept today. Unexpected problems have come upon you and you feel near the breaking point. You’d like to fly away somewhere and refuse to see anyone.

Here’s good news. You do not need to flee to a different location to find peace and safety. Your refuge is available. Run to the hill-fort provided by Jesus.

He will keep you safe until the troubles are past!