A harbor or haven is a place where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter through stormy weather. It is also a place where they can anchor and come ashore to do business or be stored for future use. It is a place of refuge.
In Bible times, there were cities built specifically for refuge. If someone accidentally killed someone, they could flee to one of these cities.
Then the LORD said to Moses: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly (Numbers 35:9–12 NIV).
God thought of everything when He gave the Israelites their new land. Not only did He provide for their everyday needs, He made sure that they were protected, no matter what the situation.
Those cities protected the innocent and kept out anyone who wanted to do them harm. It must have been a comfort for the people of that time, knowing that such cities existed. Places where they could run to and be safe.
God is still looking out for us today. When we have any kind of fear, we also have a refuge in which to flee. He is always there with His arms open wide, waiting for us to run to Him.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1–2 NIV).
We can rest assured that He will be there for us; all we need to do is ask.
It is a great comfort to me knowing that no matter what comes my way, God will always be there for me. Just like the Israelites could run to those cities of refuge, I can run to God and be protected.
Let it be a comfort for you as well.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 NIV).
Debbie Mitchell