Psalm 91: 4, "Under His wings shalt thou trust". It is probably derived from a word

which means "to make haste" or "flee" (Psa. 40: 13), and suggests that such a refuge is

one to which one would flee for safety (compare Heb. 6: 18). The second word is found

in Psalm 46: 7 & 11 and means a "high tower". The idea of safety is evidently

associated with this, for we read in Prov. 18: 10:

To sum up, then, we may say that God Himself is set before us as our Refuge, in a

threefold light. He is a "dwelling"--prepared beforehand by God Who anticipates all

eventualities (Deut. 33: 27). He is also a "trustworthy" refuge (Psa. 46: 1), and a

high and exalted place of safety (Psa. 46: 7, 11). This, dear reader, is a word in season

for us all. "The Eternal God is our refuge."

Most readers could provide examples from their own personal experience of the

attitude so often adopted by people of "letting things slide". While no danger seems

imminent these people give the superficial appearance of an enviable sangfroid, but in

many cases these are the very people who show the greatest evidence of fear when the

crisis breaks. One can find many examples to-day which illustrate the parable of the wise

and foolish virgins. And so we come to another blessed aspect of the teaching of

Scripture concerning our "refuge".

However fully the Government may have provided for the people, all such provision

is rendered useless if it is not available when wanted. Steel shelters, guaranteed to

withstand concussion, to protect from flying splinters, and to resist falling masonry, are

so much mockery in a day of calamity, if they have never been erected. Respirators,

proved by test to provide adequate protection against poison gas, are so much lumber if

they are not at hand when wanted. And so we read the God is not only our Refuge, but

He is "a very present Help in trouble" (Psa. 46: 1). There is no actual reference here to

the "presence" of God, although, of course, it is implied. This majestic A.V. translation

was not altered in the R.V. advisedly, but the reader should know that the words

translated "A very present help" are literally "A much found help". This same word,

when used of the wicked in Psalm 37: 36, is translated "could not be found".

Let us consider next one or two passages of Scripture that will strengthen our faith in

this "very present" aspect of God's provision.