The word "refuge" could be translated "mansion" or "dwelling place." Think about that! God is not just a place we run to—he is our home. There's a fullness and sweetness in this truth that should stir your soul. We love our homes, don't we? Even the humblest cottage, even the scantiest room. But infinitely dearer is our blessed God, in whom we live and move and have our being.

At home, we feel safe. We shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God, we "fear no evil." He is our shelter, our retreat, our abiding refuge.

At home, we rest. After the fatigue and toil of the day, we find repose there. And so our hearts find rest in God. When wearied with life's conflict, we turn to him, and our soul dwells at ease.

At home, we let our hearts loose. We're not afraid of being misunderstood or having our words twisted. So when we are with God, we can commune freely with him, laying open all our hidden desires. If "the secret of the Lord is with those who fear him," then the secrets of those who fear him ought to be—and must be—with their Lord!

Home is where we find our truest, purest happiness. And it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in him which far surpasses all other joy.

Home is also what we work and labour for. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden and quickens our fingers at their task. In this sense too, God is our home. Love to him strengthens us. We think of him in the person of his dear Son, and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to labour in his cause. We feel we must work—for we have brethren yet to be saved, and we have our Father's heart to make glad by bringing home his wandering sons! We would fill with holy mirth the sacred family among whom we dwell.

Happy are those who have thus the God of Jacob for their refuge!