The Refuge of Worship

Worship Articles by Ricky Hall Worship Pastor November 25, 2011

The hunt is on! Sweat rises on the back of his neck as his mind goes through the check list. Did I cover my tracks? Did anyone see me or recognize me? He rides his horse at a hurried pace, but not too fast....he needs to conserve the animal's energy in case he has to try to out run his captors.

Where can I go....who can I trust? ...his mind wonders .....when will this end?

Sounds like a few lines from the television series, "The Fugitive", or another empty movie of an escapee on the run from hostile attackers. No my friend, this is no Hollywood scenario. It's the real life drama of one of the most celebrated kings in Israel's history - King David. He had not taken the throne physically yet, but in the hearts of his nation he had been anointed as leader. As a teen age boy, he had just defeated the single most dangerous threat to the nation in impressive fashion. Goliath was a towering giant, well over 13 ft. tall, 700 to 800 pounds with probably six fingers on each hand and six toes per foot. He was a hired mercenary of the Philistines, a secret weapon to finally vanquish their number one enemy - Israel.

We all know the story.....but success can be a double edged sword as David found out. Jealousies and comparisons abounded as David's star rose in national favor. In the fray of David's popularity, the current leader, King Saul, began to privately resent the young champion even though he was his son's best friend.

A new song hit the charts taunting the exploits of David and minimizing the talents of King Saul. This was not good for David.....the King was furious.

In rage and jealousy, Saul begins to pursue David's life in defense of his reputation. While under pursuit of the national army of Israel, David steals away in a cave and pens Psalm 57.

Have you ever felt pursued? The Bible tells us that Satan goes around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. It's the roar of the lion that strikes fear in the prey to make them run from their hiding place.
We are all the target of a supernatural pursuit. As God pursues your heart and you walk in the victories of the Christian life, you challenge the reputation of Satan and become even a greater target of his destruction.
He knows that if he can get you to turn away and shrink back from the ministry opportunities in your path...to deny and ignore your spiritual gifts....to remain prisoner to the flesh and the passions of the world, then he has effectively weakened your witness for Christ. You're the hunted...so what will you do? Hide!

That's right, hide away, take refuge in the only place where Satan can't find you, where the stressors of life can't affect you - the presence and glory of God.

Let's learn from David's example:
*Although Saul was king, David recognized who was in charge -
"I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me." Ps. 57:2

*David was hunted like an animal and the chase worn on him. He submitted his weakness to God's strength - "My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword." Ps. 57:4

*Although Saul and his men chased him, David kept his focus vertical -
"Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let thy glory be above all the earth." Ps. 57:5

David found security and protection from the forces of evil pressing against him in the secret place of worship. He replaces the sounds of pursuit in his ears with the sounds of praise to the Lord from his heart - "My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory; awake, harp and lyre, I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to Thee, O lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to Thee among the nations. For Thy loving-kindness is great to the heavens, And Thy truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, O God, Let thy glory be above all the earth." Ps. 57:7-11

Has the enemy stolen your song? In the midst of adversity is when we need to sing the loudest, dance the hardest and shout with all of our might.

Why? Because in the secret place of the Most High not only can the enemy not see you, but he can't hear you either......Hallelujah! God's total provision is total protection for your total deliverance. "They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down (hidden, protected, unmoved and unswayed); they dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah" Ps. 57:6

My friend, everything the devil has planned for you will fail because the power that's working in you is greater than anything he can throw at you. Lift up your countenance and hide away in the presence of your God. Take refuge in His grace.