“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
When I was little, blanket forts were my go-to solution for just about everything. Bad day? Build a fort. Big storm outside? Fort time. Sibling drama? You already know—fort. Something about those makeshift walls of pillows and sheets made me feel untouchable. I guess in my mind, as long as I was inside, nothing bad could get to me.
Funny enough, I think we do the same thing as adults—we just use more grown-up materials. We try to build forts of financial security, thinking a little more money will keep the storms of life away. Or we rely on home alarms to make us feel safe, jump from relationship to relationship hoping to find stability, or even busy ourselves with packed schedules to avoid facing what’s really weighing us down. The truth is, none of those forts are strong enough to withstand the storms life throws our way.
But Nahum 1:7 reminds us we have something infinitely better: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” God’s refuge isn’t makeshift or flimsy—it’s steady, unshakable, and built to handle anything we face.
The word “refuge” doesn’t just mean a hiding place; it’s a haven of strength, peace, and protection. And what makes it even better is how personal it is. Nahum says God cares for those who trust in Him. This isn’t a distant, hands-off God. This is a loving Father who draws near, steadies us when we feel shaky, and carries us when we’re too tired to take another step.
I’ve tried building my own forts before—whether through achievements, control, or sheer willpower. But they always crumble when the storms hit. Only when we turn to God as our refuge do we find the strength and peace we’ve been searching for all along. The troubles don’t disappear, but our perspective changes. We realized we aren’t meant to carry everything alone.
So, whatever storm you’re facing today, know this: you don’t have to rely on makeshift solutions that only offer temporary security. God is your refuge. His love and care are unshakable, and He’s ready to help you weather whatever comes your way. God’s refuge isn’t a temporary fix like a blanket fort—it’s an unshakable foundation that will hold you steady, no matter how fierce the storm.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What “forts” have you been building to try to feel safe? How can you let go of them and trust God to be your refuge instead?
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