My wife and I are pursuing simplicity. We recently added to our family (birth of our first son, Ezra) and then downsized. Huh? Yes. Moved into town so we can be close to work, gym, church, and friends. Though our family grew, our bought a home over 200 square feet smaller (total around 1200). Simplicity is freedom. In addition, my wife and I discovered that with our new location, a 2nd vehicle is not a necessity. When you add up a used vehicle note, insurance, and gas, we are saving almost $350-500 a month. Because we have committed to one vehicle, I went out and bought a really nice bicycle (simplicity does not mean you buy crappy stuff) so that I can ride to work on days that my wife would like the car (she is a stay-at-home mom).
Today, around 8:30, clouds were brewing. I threw my clothes in my backpack along with my iPad and keyboard (much lighter than a laptop, thus more easily toted…again, simplicity) and hit the road. I made it across the bridge as I headed into the South part of town. It started to lightly rain. At this point, I knew that I would not make it all the way to work before it started really raining. I was about 2 minutes from a neighborhood church that I previously noticed has covered front area. I made it just in time. As it started to rain really hard, I had about 15 minutes to reflect. Along my path, there are approximately 4-5 places I have mentally marked as “refuge” places. When I am riding to work (about a 15 minutes bicycle ride), these are locations spaced a few minutes apart, that I know I can escape the rain in case it gets too bad. To be honest, it is kind of fun. An adventure. The fresh rain and exercise clears my head before I enter the office.
Then this thought occurred to me: I have marked out in my mind where refuge can be found in case rain begins to fall. Have we as Christians already settled in our minds and hearts that The Lord will be the place we hide when light or heavy rains come our way? Will you let Him have first access to your heart during times of hardship?
The word “refuge” occurs 23 times just in the book of Psalms (using the NKJV). Here are a few examples:
Psalm 9:9 NKJV
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 31:2 NKJV
Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.
Psalm 62:7-8 NKJV
In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. [8] Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
This list goes on and on. Fall on Him with the deep things of your heart. Lean into Him. Let Him be the place you dive under when rain starts falling on your bicycle path.
Dr. BJ Condrey 
Leave a comment