God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

— Psalm 46:1

For most of my life I have either run through problems with my head down, or I have retreated. I’m learning the biblical practice of seeking refuge.

There is a difference between refuge and retreat. To retreat is to run from trouble with no hope or thought of returning to the crisis. Retreat is avoidance. To seek refuge in the Lord, no matter what trouble we may find ourselves in, is an act of pursuing safety with the goal of being restored so that we can enter back into relationships and community. We seek refuge in the Lord not to avoid trouble but to find strength for the journey.

Retreat involves throwing in the towel and saying “I’m done.” Refuge involves going to God to catch your breath, to regain some strength and perspective, and to keep on the journey.

Retreat is a result of fear without hope. Refuge is a result of recognizing that the world can be a dark and scary place but that God’s light shines brighter.

I am learning to take refuge in the Lord. I find refuge in the Lord through worship, silence, community, working out, running, relationships, and the beauty of creation.

In what ways do you find refuge in the Lord?

Lord, you are our refuge and our strength. So often we retreat, or we try to push through. Teach us to take refuge in you so that we can continue on the journey. Amen.