“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble, you are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” Psalms 59:16-17 NIV

This week we are going to talk about “refuge.” A refuge is a place where you feel safe and protected, sheltered from troubles, secure and comforted. When I was a kid, we had a huge weeping willow tree in our back yard. The long slender branches covered in leaves hung down to the ground. (Except when my dad went around in late summer and trimmed them off!)

Whenever I felt lonely or sad, bullied or mad, I would go and sit under the weeping willow or climb up into the branches. I felt protected, no one could see me or find me. It was peaceful and calming as the green leafy branches swayed in the breeze. It was like a refuge for me. Do you have a special place you go to feel safe and comforted?

Everyone needs a refuge, a safe place. The verses above were written by King David when he was in big trouble. They tell us that God is our refuge, our safe place. God is always with us. God wraps us in His everlasting love. God can give us strength when we can’t seem to do things all by ourselves. We can rely on God for comfort. Even when things are stressful, God can give us His peace.

God is our refuge, our safe place, because we can talk to God about all of our troubles, our feelings, our worries, our fears, and our concerns. When we share our troubles with God, God will help us carry our burdens.

God Is My Safe Place

When I am weak, God is strong.

When I am sad, God is my song.

When I am afraid, God is my courage.

When I am unsure, God encourages.

When I am lonely, God is there with me.

When I am worried, God is my “willow tree”.

This week draw a picture of your refuge, your safe place, where you go when you are upset. Talk to your parents about how God can be your refuge, your safe place. Ask them how God is their safe place. Now imagine God is with you in the safe place you drew. God is with you, loving you, protecting you, giving comfort and peace. God is your safe place!

Blessings and refuge!