Day 19 - Run to Safety

A Weightless Devotional

“God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

When the Bible says God is your refuge, it doesn’t mean He is like a refuge; it means He is a refuge in the truest and deepest sense. He doesn’t just provide a sense of security; He is your security. Like a fortress, a cliff, or a high tower would have been the only place for the ancients to run to when under attack or in danger, God is a strong tower or a fortress because He is the safest, most secure place for us to run. He is your shelter in the storm, your unshakable stronghold when the world around you feels like it's falling apart.

That means that when trouble comes, you don’t have to rely on your own strength, wisdom, or resources to get through. Instead, you are called to put it all on Him, knowing that He is dependable and capable. Just like you would trust a solid, towering rock to protect you from danger, you can trust God to be the safest place to run to for your protection. He’s not just a symbol of safety; He is safety.

But how can the same God who is described as a consuming fire in Hebrews 12:29 and the Lion of Judah in Revelation 5:5 be safe? The answer lies in His perfect love and faithfulness. As His child, you are not standing against His power; you are held within it. The consuming fire burns away what threatens to harm you, and the Lion of Judah fights fiercely on your behalf. These images of strength and might are not meant to intimidate you but to reassure you. God is not safe in the sense of being tame or predictable, but He is safe in the sense that His power is always wielded for your good.

What makes God safe is not the absence of His might but the assurance of His love. He is your Father, faithful and unchanging—always present, always watching, always saving. That means you’ll never catch Him on a bad day, with the door closed or the phone silenced. You never have to worry that He’ll suddenly stop caring for you or turn His back when things get tough. His promises aren’t empty words—they’re grounded in His very nature. He is the safest person you know—the One who will always be there, no matter what comes your way.

The Bible calls Him your “helper in times of trouble.” There is no getting away from that truth. It’s right there in black and white. He is there when you need Him. He is not a distant observer or a bystander; He’s actively involved in your life, ready to help you in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re facing external threats or internal turmoil, He’s there, offering you His strength and wisdom, His love and direction. And His help isn’t conditional or limited. It’s an unshakable reality rooted in who He is—a dependable, loving God who is always present—a refuge in times of trouble.