But the Lord is a refuge for his people,
a stronghold for the people of Israel. (Joel 3.16)
When we live in a relationship with the Lord, we can confidently rely on Him as our refuge. He actively protects and shields us from spiritual, emotional, and physical adversaries.
We can trust His guidance and support whenever we face troubles, knowing that He loves us and has our welfare in mind.
When we regard God as our stronghold, we trust that He will defend us against attacks from worldly influences, our own misguided thoughts and feelings, and satanic forces.
The frequent message of judgment in the prophets reminds us that God does not automatically provide refuge and protection to His people.
We have a part to play and must create an atmosphere in which our relationship with God enhances the availability of His protection.
Below, I’ve written a checklist for us to assess our behavior. It prompts us to ask: Are we taking the necessary steps to create an environment where God can freely work in our lives?
(1) Consistent Prayer Life – This doesn’t mean only praying in times of need but making prayer a regular part of our daily routine.
Do we have a daily practice of bringing our concerns, gratitude, and desire for guidance to God?
Do we take time to listen and to build trust in God as our refuge and stronghold?
(2) Study and Reflect on Scripture – How can we understand and follow God’s will without reading His plan and purpose for our lives in the Scripture?
Do we set aside daily time for reading and reflecting on God’s Word?
(3) Worship and Praise – I recently listened to a speaker who noted that our thoughts constantly center on ourselves. We often find ourselves thinking about our past or worrying about our future.
The advantage of praise and worship is that it shifts our focus from ourselves to God.
Do we have a daily period of praise and worship in our quiet time with God?
(4) Cultivate a Thankful Heart – When we thank God for His past faithfulness and protection, it helps to build our trust in Him for the future.
Do we regularly thank God, who is our refuge and stronghold and give Him thanks?
(5) Obedience – James states, “Faith without works is also dead” (James 2.26).
The judgments that the prophets declared on Israel stemmed from their disobedience. While the Israelites were traditionally very religious, they failed in a crucial aspect: obeying God’s teachings.
This leads to a question for us: Are we obeying what God reveals as His will to us?
(6) Practice the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence wrote an insightful little book entitled “Practicing the Presence of God.”
In that book, he gave a clue for how we can live out the things that are on this checklist – to be aware of God’s presence at all times.
Are we practicing God’s presence in our lives throughout the day?
I often tell my partner in YouTube videos, Rudy Ross, that I write blog articles for myself. As I look through this checklist, I realize there are many shortcomings in my life.
I am thankful that God gives us His revealed word so we can adjust our lives to His will.
I encourage you to think through the list yourself and respond as God directs you.
YouTube Videos
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 