I was watching my two dogs play one day. Newton, the little one, was antagonizing the larger one, Max. Max eventually has enough and goes back at him. This “play” continues until Newton gets scared and runs to his crate for protection from Max. Newton senses how much Max will take and then runs for cover. Once Newton feels safe again, he ventures out and aggravates Max again. Eventually, Max walks away and goes to another room to get some peace from Newton.
And the playing starts all over again.
Watching them, I thought about myself and where I find shelter. Unlike the dogs, I don’t deliberately antagonize Satan to get him to play with me. But, then again, I don’t realize I am enticing Satan to wrestle. Perhaps, I am leaving myself open to attack by participating in particular behaviors that are leaving me open to attack or enjoying the company of people whose relationship looks innocent but is leading me spiritually or mentally down a destructive path.
Max could have hurt Newton if he wanted to. He has a sweet disposition and, on some level, knows how far to go. Satan also could hurt me. However, he is not sweet and aims to destroy me. He will not back off and go somewhere else to get peace. I must run for cover instead of staying in the fight, thinking I am big enough to overcome a larger enemy.
The Old Testament gives many examples of men of God finding shelter in caves while fighting an enemy or fleeing for their lives. These occasions demonstrate the wisdom of knowing when to hide and when to confront. In I Kings 19, Elijah flees for his life and eventually sleeps in a cave in Horeb, the mountain of God. Another example found in 1 Kings 18 is Jezebel was killing prophets. Obadiah took 100 of the Lord’s prophets and hid them in two caves, 50 in each. Lastly, David was on the run for his life from King Saul and took refuge in caves. (1 Samuel 24). In all these examples, people had some fear and found shelter in hiding in caves. They experienced God’s protection, encouragement, and strength in these enclosures.
I have never been on the run for fear of my life. So, why do I find myself looking for safety and protection? There are many things, other than my physical life being in danger, I want to hide from or may need protection. For instance, how do I find refuge from emotional danger or fears? Do I hide from the heartache of unfulfilled dreams, or hide my heart, by shutting down relationally when someone hurts me? Do I get discouraged and want to give up like Elijah? At time, I look for the nearest hiding spot when I experience these events.
Not all places of refuge are created equal. Some may bring more heartache than peace and protection. I may close myself off from opportunities or situations that may look scary but are, in fact, occasions to let my light shine for God and his glory. By shrinking back and hiding in my self-doubt, I am not fully living for God. Satan has scared me into a cave of my own making. In this cave, the walls will feel like they are closing in on me, and I will not experience the protection of God as I would if I took refuge in him.
When I feel scared, lonely, or generally chased by Satan, I must look to God as my refuge and strength. Elijah ran when he was afraid, even though he had just experienced the power of God on display. Why? One reason was he was exhausted. My thoughts will be clouded when physically or spiritually exhausted, leading to more significant anxiety. When I rest, I remember that I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Elijah was also alone in the wilderness. I need Godly people to encourage me in the truth of God and that he is the ultimate protection from anything I may face, either physical, emotional, or spiritual. Self-pity or self-doubt is a tool Satan uses to chase me when my defenses are down. I must remember that I am a child of God, the Most High King (Galatians 3:26-29). And lastly, Elijah was discouraged. He just experienced this amazing miracle, and now he is on the run for his life. I have thought at times, why does God allow specific experiences or not let experiences happen? These thoughts lead to discouragement and, if not appropriately handled by going to God, will eventually lead me to depression. Once depression sets in, Satan sits back and waits. He knows, from previous times, not because he knows the future, that this emotion will keep me locked away and not enjoying the life God has for me to the fullest. If I stay in the place of hiding, Satan has won this round.
Looking back to Newton and Max, I realize my 2-year-old puppy has better instincts than I do. He knows to run for refuge before he is in real trouble. He sees Max is on the offensive and runs before he gets hurt. Why don’t I recognize the signs of Satan coming after me and run to the safety my Savior offers? I wrongly think I can handle it on my own. When I feel overwhelmed, afraid, pressed down, or self-pity, I must run to my knees and pray for God to help me. Memorizing scriptures of God being my refuge would also help. (Psalm 91:2, Proverbs 18:2,10, Deuteronomy 33:27, and Isaiah 25:4). I need to hide in the shelter of my God. I may need to rest, open up to Godly friends for help and realistically look at the situation so that discouragement and depression don’t set in.
Every day we are in a battle. We participate in a fight, but it takes place in the heavenly realm. I find great refuge in putting on the whole armor of God every morning. I imagine being in a war room and suiting up for going into battle and mentally seeing God placing his armor on me. Every day take “the belt of truth and buckle it around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:14-18) The caves we run to for refuge can offer us protection from attack or fear, but if they are of our own making, they may be a refuge of isolation and bondage. I need to find my refuge in the Lord only. Sometimes, life circumstances, fears, anxieties, or emotions send me to a “cave.” During these times of hiding, I need to call out to God as David did in Psalm 142 and let God bring me out into the safety of His presence. He is my rock and fortress, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)
Peace in the Desert 