Finding True Refuge in Life's Storms
An abstract of Dr. T. Dale Johnson’s sermon on June 8, 2025, in the Summer in the Psalms series. Watch the sermon video here.
Life can feel overwhelming. Maybe your kids didn't sleep well last night, and you're running on empty. Perhaps your teenager disobeyed for the hundredth time today. Your boss might be making work impossible, or that dreaded check engine light just came on. When life hits you in the face, where do you turn for comfort?
In our modern world, we hear a lot about "self-talk" and positive thinking. We're told to get rid of negative thoughts and focus only on good things. But here's the problem: sometimes life just isn't positive. And there's only so much you can tell yourself before reality kicks in.
King David understood this struggle. In Psalm 11, he shows us a better way to handle life's pressures. Instead of empty self-help, David teaches us about finding true refuge in God's unchanging character.
When Friends Give Wrong Advice
David wrote Psalm 11 during one of the darkest periods of his life. King Saul was hunting him down, trying to kill him. David was constantly on the run, living in fear for his life. Even his well-meaning friends were telling him to flee again: "Escape to the mountain like a bird."
But David's response was different. He said, "I have taken refuge in the Lord." In the middle of real danger, David chose to trust God rather than just run away.
This doesn't mean David was ignoring reality. He knew people had "strung the bow" and "put the arrow on the bowstring" against him. The danger was real. But David understood something his friends didn't: God is a better refuge than any mountain cave.
The Problem with Natural Refuges
We all look for comfort when life gets hard. Some people turn to shopping, others to food or entertainment. We might dive into work or scroll through social media to escape our problems. These aren't necessarily bad things, but they make terrible refuges.
As one wise author put it, "Natural men seek refuge in natural things." The problem is that these temporary fixes don't last. You need them over and over again, but they never really give you peace. Your soul remains unsettled.
David learned that hiding in God was more comforting than hiding in caves. Physical caves gave him some protection, but trusting in God gave him true peace – even if it meant risking his life.
God's Perfect Position
So how do we find refuge in God? David explains by reminding himself of who God really is:
God is in control. "The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven." God isn't wringing his hands, wondering what to do about your situation. He's on his throne, sovereign over everything that happens.
God sees everything. "His eyes watch, he examines everyone." The eternal watcher never sleeps. While you need rest every night, God stays awake, watching over you. Nothing happens without his knowledge.
God is both far and near. Yes, God is transcendent – high above all earthly troubles. But he's also intimately involved in the details of your life. He examines both the righteous and the wicked with perfect understanding.
God's Loving Care
Here's what's amazing: the God who rules the universe cares about your specific struggles. David found comfort knowing that God sees when people treat him badly and will hold them accountable.
Think about how children handle conflicts. They don't usually try to solve disputes themselves – they run to mom and dad to settle things. That's the picture David gives us. When trouble comes, we can run to our heavenly Father who sees all and judges fairly.
This doesn't mean we won't have problems. David acknowledges that we live in a broken world full of real difficulties. The key question isn't whether you'll have troubles, but what you'll do with them. Will you try to handle them alone, or will you cast your cares on the Lord?
Practical Steps to Find Refuge
Based on David's example, here are some ways to find refuge in God:
Remember God's character. When you read Scripture, look for what it teaches about who God is. Pick out one truth about God and think about it throughout your day.
Focus on God's promises. Remind yourself that God's promises are more real than your current circumstances. God never changes, even when your feelings do.
Bring your specific concerns to God. Don't just try to think positive thoughts. Actually talk to God about what's bothering you. He wants to hear about your struggles.
The Favor of the Upright
David ends with an encouraging promise: "The upright will see his face." In biblical terms, this means God's favor rests on those who trust in him. God's face is turned toward you with love and acceptance.
Why is this important? Because when the world seems upside down – when good is called evil and evil is called good – you need to remember that God never changes. It's never wrong to do what's right in God's eyes, even when everyone else disagrees.
As a believer in Christ, you have God's favor because of Jesus. No matter how difficult life gets, God's face is turned toward you with love.
Walking in God's Refuge
David faced a life-or-death situation, yet he found his refuge in God rather than in his own efforts to escape. If God can be a refuge when death threatens, he can certainly be your refuge in whatever you're facing today.
The key is learning to trust God's character more than your circumstances. When the tornado sirens of life start blaring, you have a shelter to run to – not a physical bunker, but the unchanging God who loves you and promises to care for you.
Your Next Step
Are you tired of trying to find peace in temporary things? Do you want to learn more about the God who offers true refuge and lasting comfort?
God invites you to discover the peace that comes from knowing him personally. Whether you're just starting to explore faith or you've been walking with God for years, there's always more to learn about his character and love.
We'd love to help you on this journey. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 AM to explore what it means to find true refuge in God. Our community is full of people at different stages of their faith journey, and we'd be honored to have you join us.