Bible Text: Joshua 20: 1-9 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Engage: Do All In The Name Of The Lord Jesus
God is Our Refuge in Times of Danger and Distress
Joshua 20:1-3 The Lord said to Joshua, now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses. Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to one of these cities; they will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed.
The Six Cities of Refuge
Kedesh: The place of holiness
Shechem: The place to take on burdens
Hebron: The place of community
Bezer: The place of fortification
Ramoth: The place to be lifted up
Golan: The place of joy
Physical and Emotional Refuge Rescues the Frightened
Psalm 31:2-5 Be my rock of protection a fortress where I will be safe.  You are my rock and my fortress.  For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.  Pull me from the trap my enemies set for. For I find protection in you alone.  I entrust my spirit into your hand.  Rescue me Lord for you are a faithful God.
Spiritual and Relational Refuge Rescues the Burdened
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble… The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Regroup Rest Recover
Renew your Strength Under the Shelter of His Wings
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Hurting People Need Refuge
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
How Do We Find The Refuge Of God Today?
Call Out
The first move is always ours to make!
Paradigm Shift: from independence to interdependence
Psalm 91:15 When he calls upon me, then I will answer him. When he calls upon me, I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and honor him.
How Do We Find The Refuge Of God Today?
Pour It Out
End the silence and pour it all out to God
Psalm 62:8 Pour out your hearts to God, for he is a refuge for us.
Psalm 32:3-4 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long…my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
How Do We Find The Refuge Of God Today?
Walk In
Our pain-filled passionate words is our password in
2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
We Have An Eternal Refuge!
Isaiah 57:15 The high and lofty crusty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.  I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.