Thankful for God’s Refuge

A few months ago, I was sitting at my daughter’s soccer game while my wife, Sarah, was taking our son to football practice. During that season, we spent most of our evenings rotating between our kids’ sporting events, trying to be present for both of them as much as possible. It was one of those busy weeks when life felt like a constant relay race — one parent at the soccer field, the other at the football field — doing our best to cheer them on and support their passions.

While I was watching the game, my phone rang. It was Sarah, calling about something that had happened at our son’s football practice. Her tone immediately told me something wasn’t right. She explained that our son had experienced something very hurtful — words spoken to him in a harsh and unkind manner by someone he should have been able to trust. It shook him. After practice, they called me together to share what had happened.

Later that night, Sarah told me about something our son had said to her afterward. He told her, “I know if Dad were there, he would have taken care of that real quick.” He wasn’t saying that his mom wouldn’t have stepped in; rather, he was expressing that he and I share a bond — especially through football — and that he knew I would completely understand the situation.

That simple statement struck me deeply. My son knew I would speak up on his behalf. He knew I would fight for him. He knew I would protect him. He knew he could take refuge in us — that Sarah and I are always on his side, always ready to defend and care for him no matter what. In that moment, I couldn’t help but draw a powerful parallel to our relationship with God.

Just as my son finds refuge and safety in his parents, we too can take refuge in God. He is on our side. He fights for us. When the world feels unfair, when the voices around us are unkind, or when we face situations that wound our hearts, God stands beside us as our protector and our refuge.

In my Bible, Psalm 59 carries the title “God Our Stronghold.” David wrote this psalm during one of the most terrifying times of his life — when King Saul had sent agents to watch his house and kill him. David was under real, physical threat. He wasn’t just feeling anxious or worried; someone was literally hunting him. He described those pursuing him as “enemies,” lying in “ambush,” and “snarling like dogs.” Those are not the words of a man experiencing mild discomfort — they are the words of someone overwhelmed with fear and desperation.

But what’s remarkable about David’s response is that he doesn’t stay stuck in that fear. He doesn’t plot revenge or call on his army to come to his rescue. Instead, he turns to God. David chooses to take refuge not in his own strength or strategy but in the Lord’s protection.

David’s fear melts away because he recognizes that God is his stronghold. In verses 8 through 17, his tone shifts from one of panic to one of praise. It reminds me of how a child talks about his father — with pride, confidence, and complete trust. David brags on God’s power the way a child brags about a dad who can fix anything or stand up to anyone. He’s not timid or uncertain; he’s bold in his faith, declaring that God will deliver him from his enemies.

This passage encourages me every time I read it. Just as God delivered David, He delivers all who belong to Him. We are His children, and He is our Father, our defender, and our refuge. David’s example reminds us how to respond when we face challenges or feel under attack. His faith didn’t just bring him comfort — it led him to worship.

In verses 16 and 17, David writes:

“But I will sing of your strength and will joyfully proclaim your faithful love in the morning.
For you have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.
To you, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold — my faithful God.”

Even while surrounded by enemies, David chose to sing. His confidence in God’s protection drove him to gratitude and worship. David didn’t focus his heart on fear — he anchored it in thanksgiving.

We may not face physical enemies like David did, but we are all under spiritual attack in different ways. The enemy is always prowling, always seeking to discourage us, divide us, or make us doubt God’s goodness. The pressures of life, harsh words from others, and moments of disappointment can feel like ambushes on our hearts. Yet, like David, we can take refuge in the Lord.

When I think back to that night after my son’s football practice, I remember the sense of protection I wanted to provide for him — that instinct to stand up and fight for my child. That same fierce love is what God has for each of us, only greater and without fail. He doesn’t just comfort us; He actively fights for us. He steps into our pain and becomes our shelter when the storms rage.

It’s easy to be thankful for the visible blessings in our lives — our families, our homes, our health, our jobs. But how often do we stop to thank God for being our refuge? For being the unseen shield that protects us daily?

I’ve noticed that I’m most aware of the shelter of my house when a storm is raging outside. I hear the wind beating against the walls, and I’m thankful to be safe inside. But when the skies are clear, I often take that shelter for granted. In the same way, I sometimes only recognize God’s refuge when I’m in the middle of a spiritual storm. Yet the truth is, His protection is constant. His strength surrounds us every day, even when life feels calm.

That realization has challenged me to be more mindful — to give thanks not just for what I can see but for the protection I can’t. To praise God not only after the storm but during it. To rest in the confidence that no matter what comes my way, my God fights for me.

Just as my son finds safety in knowing his dad and mom are always on his side, I find peace in knowing my heavenly Father stands guard over me. He is my stronghold. He is my refuge. He is my faithful God — and for that, I will sing of His strength and proclaim His love every morning.

-Ryan Morris

Ryan is married to Sarah, and they have two children, Elizabeth and Hudson. He has served as our Family and Community Pastor since 2018..