Thoughts for the Day

* St James, Church, Manorbier

In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me,
‘Flee like a bird to the mountains;
for look, the wicked bend the bow,
they have fitted their arrow to the string,
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.

If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?’

The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.
The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
and his soul hates the lover of violence.
On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulphur;
a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

On the causeway from the mainland to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) in Northumberland, there is a refuge sitting high on a tower for those who get caught out and are stuck inside their car as the tide comes in across the road. In Alaska and other wilderness areas cabins are built to act as refuges for those caught out by snow. Today refuges are also common in countries where there is danger from tornadoes. While in Manorbier in Pembrokeshire (Wales) a watchtower was used as a refuge to keep people safe from seaborne raiders. Today it looks like it was built as part of the church, but it's actually quite separate from the church itself and was built as a watch tower and refuge with the door entered from a wooden staircase halfway up the tower, which could be destroyed if danger occurred. As a child in the 12th century the future scholar, Gerald of Wales, was reputed to have taken refuge here when enemies were sited out at sea.

Psalm 11 shows us that there is some real danger for King David. Advisers are saying "Flee, now, and seek refuge in the mountains!" This seems sensible, but David makes a spirited defence. He points out that he can still be caught by an assassins arrow, (this could be a metaphor for being slandered by his enemies), in which case running away will achieve nothing. He argues that just as God is in residence in the city and not in flight, and His foundation is sure, so he and the people should stand firm against evil, for their safety lies with God.

When trouble or danger threatens us we don't need to flee or hide in a tower, for God is our refuge, and He will protect us when we turn to Him.

Almighty God,
You are with all who seek You,
whatever the concern or danger.
Help us to turn to You first and last,
in the sure and certain hope
that You will hear and respond.
May we not forget You
when the good days come,
but rest in Your unchanging love
and in Your will which is for the
completion of Your kingdom
where justice and righteousness rules
Amen.