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Refuge

1/24/2015

7 Comments

 
REFUGE The word was adamant to obtain my attention this evening before Bible study. So, I asked myself- "What is it about this word that I need to know?" According to The Merriam Webster dictionary the meaning is: noun 1. shelter or protection from danger or trouble 2. a place that provides shelter or protection. This meaning I have known since...well probably since I could read. I knew this particular word was meant for me to do something with. How could I possibly do something with a word? After all, it's just a word. And the age old saying rambled through my thoughts: "Stick and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." I'll be the first to stand up and say- that's a lie! It's one way to soothe hurt feelings. It's a blanket of uselessness offering no true warmth and giving a false sense to the person attempting to comfort a saddened soul. Words can be many things: inspiring, truthful, thankful, grateful, encouraging. On the other spectrum words can be just down right mean, condescending, belligerent, and disgraceful. I, myself, have spat out words of hate and anger. As I am getting older, I realize the importance of words and just how they impact those around me. I choose to be different. I choose to inspire. I choose to encourage. I also am honest and will speak the truth even when it hurts as long as it isn't brutal. Yes, I have learned to filter myself and think before I speak. I still mess up at times- I'm a work in progress.     

We come back to refuge. Before the study started, I had a few minutes to ponder what and why I needed to know this. I opened my Bible (NLT Study Bible) and flipped to the back to find refuge listed in the dictionary/concordances with various verses that quoted the word. It listed 8 different scriptures that contained refuge. Quickly with assertiveness, I flipped to the Psalm's since it had the most noted and I was reading Psalmsprior to the word being burned into my thoughts. 

Psalm 2:12 Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities-for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him. 

It's a verse of warning and comfort-oxymoron right? Not really. God is giving his followers a heads up. He's saying hey you- I'm sending my son Jesus and you better listen to him or I'm going to get really mad. You saw what I did to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, let that be a warning. And to those who do listen, you'll find joy and he will protect you. 

I then moved on to the next verse I found.

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. 


Wow- can you even imagine FOREVER?! I tried- I can't. Happy, singing (although hopefully I get a new voice cause let me tell you- I crack windows! not good folks...not good). We will praise our Maker for all eternity. 

The next scripture I flipped to is what made the puzzle pieces finally fit together. 

2 Samuel 22:2-4 He sang: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies." 


Did you see it? It's right there!! He is my refuge...the one who saves me from violence. Violence... Domestic violence... Safe Under the Willow...Jillian Davenport.... sound familiar? 

In SUW Jillian seeks refuge tucking herself under the branches of her beloved weeping willow tree. Why is this tree so important? It's the one place she can go to and find comfort when all those demons claw at her heart threatening to annihilate the life she has worked so hard to have: happiness, acceptance, and love. But most importantly, this is God offering her refuge. Jillian remained faithful to the Creator and in turn He offered her protection. A peace that can only be achieved by her faith. God was her rock, her safety, her savior- she found the refuge under the willow that He offered her and she praised Him for the grace and love received. 

Why was refuge a big deal tonight? Because he saved me from violence...
7 Comments
Marisa link
1/26/2015 03:04:06 pm

I love this post, mostly because you followed a word that was placed in your heart and found out what it means :) I thought I would give you some more info on the word REFUGE used in the Bible, hope that's okay?
Refuge is found 47 times in the KJV of the Bible
It has several different Strongs numbers and definitions:
H2620 chacah khä·sä' to trust, to make a refuge, have hope

H4268 machaceh makh·as·eh' refuge, shelter, hope, trust

H4498 manowc mä·nōs' refuge, apace, escape, flight, way to flee

H4585 m@`ownah meh·ō·nä' den, place, dwelling place, refuge, habitation

H4733 miqlat mik·lät' refuge

H4869 misgab mis·gäv' defence, refuge, high tower, high fort, Misgab

AND finally, there are NO occurances of "refuge" used in the NT, which makes me wonder if perhaps they didn't use the word because our refuge, Christ, was already here?

I can't wait to see what more you write! Keep it up! The blog looks great :)

Reply
Shannon Bibby
1/26/2015 03:31:05 pm

I never knew the word "refuge" appeared so many times in the old testament! Thanks for that info-very enlightening! And I didn't even realize when I was looking up the word that refuge wasn't in the NT- Amazing!! I believe you are right when you siad that it could be "our refuge, Christ, was already here" Great observation!! Thanks for stopping by and your words of encouragement. It is truly appreciated :)

Reply
Mary Geisen
1/31/2015 01:33:39 pm

Welcome to FMF! Hope to see you on Thursdays at our Twitter parties. There is nothing like a strong word such as refuge for God to show us that He is always in control. I am rejoicing with you that God gave you refuge from violence!

Reply
Shannon Bibby
1/31/2015 03:46:20 pm

Thanks for stopping by Mary! Refuge is an enormous word for me right now as it has to do with something God has called me to do! I'm so excited about it :) Anyhow, I have dedicated a page on this sight just for FMF! http://www.shannonbibby.com/fmf-writing-prompts This is the first week I have participated and I absolutely adore the women on Twitter! It so inspiring to see such dedication and faithfulness to the Lord. I'm sure it makes His heart smile as it does mine :) Take care Mary <3

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    I'm a 30 something year old wife and mother of two. I have been married to my wonderful husband for over a decade. We live a simple country life and the Lord has given us many blessings. My passions in life are faith, family, and writing. When I turned 30, I knew that I had a story inside that was begging to be released. I started to writing Safe Under the Willow in 2010 and the rough draft was completed in 2012. It's due to be released in the Spring/Summer of 2015.  

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