“You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.” Psalm 119.114
When surrounded by vain hypocrites (113) and evildoers (115) the poet finds refuge in God and hope in God’s word. The Lord is his refuge and defense. He rests confidently in God, because Scripture has revealed this hope to him.
God’s word reveals his righteous character, his path to salvation, and his sovereign plan to end evil and injustice. In this we find hope. It is this truth that allows us to find refuge in him. This is the repeated example of the psalmist, who speaks time and again of the glorious testimonies of God.
When we meditate on God’s word, when we understand his testimonies (his deliverance of Noah and his family on the Ark; the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt; his care for David when Saul hunted him; his promised restoration of the nations; the sinless life, death, and resurrection of Christ), where else could we possibly turn for refuge? What else could give us more hope?
Take some time to dwell on the rich truth that God is our strong deliverer, our impenetrable shield, our sure hope. Thank him for revealing these truths in his word.
Merciful, heavenly Father, we praise you. You are our defense and shield, our tower of refuge. Thank you, gracious Lord, for revealing these truths in your word. Thank you for giving us spiritual eyes to see. Thank you for the hope we find only in you. Amen.