“This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” (Genesis 6:9 NLT)
In order to take refuge in something or someone you must be near them. You can’t take shelter in something far away, thus the value of the relationship Noah had with God. It’s estimated that nearly 15 billion people inhabited the earth in Noah’s day, but the Bible says he was ”the only blameless person living on earth at the time.” And we fuss with God because we end up with a bad neighbor.
How did Noah survive in such an environment? He took refuge in God! God could trust Noah because Noah trusted God. Why else would he have agreed to build a large ship when he’d never even seen a drop of rain? Noah “walked in close fellowship with God,” which laid the groundwork for him to hear God’s voice, thus, enabling him to walk in obedience to God’s directives.
A refuge is a place of shelter or safety; a place of hiding from the threats of nature, but also from the threats of a world living far from God, the type of world in which Noah lived, but also like the one in which you and I live today. This world can be a frightening place to live, to raise children, to serve Jesus, and to live a godly life to His glory and honor.
Refuge speaks of comfort, strength, safety, security, relaxation, simplicity, single-mindedness, and focus, things that are hard to find in the hectic pace of a world gone awry. In my mind’s eye I can see Noah finding solace in a spot away from others, even his family, seeking refuge in his friend and King, the God of the Universe. Doesn’t it make you wonder how out of all those ungodly people Noah found his way to God? Could it be because he was the only one listening?
Which begs the question: Are you listening? Have you found refuge in the God of Creation, the Lord Jesus Christ? He’s available! He’s speaking! He’s inviting us into His holy presence! Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 when He said: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” But also note the context of that rest – intimacy with Him! “Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
My friend, Ray Majoran, addresses this in his beautiful prayer: “Lord our Refuge, Your name is strong and sure; all who run to You are lifted into safety (Proverbs 18:10). We praise You for being the faithful Keeper of our lives, the God who knows those who take shelter in You (Nahum 1:7), and the One who cares deeply for His people.
As the Psalmist writes, please spread Your covering over us. Make our homes places where Your peace is known and Your name is honored. Form in us a gladness that does not depend on ease, but rises from the confidence that You are near, attentive, and good. May the joy You give become visible in our words, our patience, our worship, and our love for one another.
By Your Spirit, help us to be a people who rest securely in You and rejoice openly in You. May our families, our churches, and our daily lives bear witness that You save, protect, and rejoice over Your people with gladness (Zephaniah 3:17). Keep us safe in Your presence, as we rejoice in Your great name.”
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 