God Is Our Refuge

Deuteronomy 33:27 – “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:”

Israel’s great deliverer is about to die.  He is imparting his blessing onto Israel as they are soon to cross over the Jordan River and begin to possess the land they were promised by God.  But Moses can’t go in with them.  These are his last words to the people he led out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and to the banks of the river.  He had fought with them – wept with them – wandered with them.  He had defended them before God on numerous occasions. He had been compelled to chastise them on numerous other occasions.  He had a special love for these disobedient, yet childlike people.  These were the apple of God’s eye and oh so close to His heart.  He was now telling them goodbye.

And with this goodbye, he was telling them the secret to happiness.  “Love God,” he was telling them.  “Love God, and He will always bless you.  God is your refuge and your strength.  It is through Him that you will push out the enemy and possess the land.  And when you falter, His arms will catch you and lift you up.  Love God, and He will always bless you.”

These words say the same to us.  Yet God speaks to us through His Son.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. (Jn 3:16)”  The coming of His Son into this world was the expression of God’s love toward us.  His loving, everlasting arms are revealed in the work and ministry of Christ.  He left the glories of heaven – He lived on earth as a man – He went to the cruel cross – He suffered torture and death – He did it all to save us from our sins.  We can take our refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ, “And underneath are the everlasting arms.” 

God Is Our Refuge

The eternal God is our refuge dear –

To Him we can run and hide.

Naught of this earth can touch us there,

As in His love we abide.

Underneath are His ever-loving arms,

As eternal as God above.

He’ll keep us safe from worldly harms

And shelter us in His love.

Let all the troubles come as they will –

I’ve a refuge in Jesus my Lord,

And He’ll say to the storms, “Peace, be still,”

As he promised us in His Word.

He giveth me comfort through all the strife

I’m forced on this earth to endure,

But there’s rest in His promise of eternal life

That sustains me and helps keep me pure.

© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “How much do you love me?” I asked Jesus, and Jesus said “This much …” and he stretched out His arms and died.” – Popular  Saying

"Lord, Thank you for your great deliverance - for your vicarious death on the cross - for your great sacrifice. Thank you for always being there for us. Thank you for your love. Amen."