God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3

Here the sons of Korah declare: “we brothers and our families testify God is our refuge.” Refuge comes from the Hebrew maḥăseh (Strong’s H4268), meaning a place to flee for protection, a shelter from rain, storms, danger, falsehood, a place of hope, refuge, shelter, and trust. The Psalm tells us the benefits of taking refuge in God:

1. Strength from God (Verse 1);
2. Help from God (Verse 1);
3. Peace from God (Verse 2).

What is your refuge from the dangers of the world and the tribulations of day to day life? God? Something else? God plus something else? Where do you run? You will naturally and instinctively run to your default refuge when a tornado hits. Better have it figured out beforehand. If your refuge is not God, consider three inevitable results:
Distance – Picking the wrong refuge (drugs, alcohol, food, government, etc.) is idolatry. The Bible tells us that idolatry is adultery in our relationship with God. Idolatry separates us from God in the same way adultery would separate us from a spouse.
Dissatisfaction – Satan and the things of this world offer many enticing refuges. But Satan’s refuge is temporary, inferior, and inadequate. Until, like cocaine, we need another hit. Its relief is fleeting. It cannot withstand when the earth gives way.
Devastation – Alcohol, food, shopping, and all the rest are ultimately traps. These things bring only destruction of God’s perfect will for our lives. If we don’t run to Him for refuge, pain is the certain result.

Your natural refuge may not be morally wrong. Asa turned only to his physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Turning to parents, friends, self-help books, etc. may not be morally wrong, as is adultery. But it is idolatry. God desires to be our only shelter. His refuge is a secret and safe place reserved for His children. Those who live in the shelter of the Most High are protected (Psalm 91:1-4 NLT).

The sons of Korah also gave us Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” Their call is to wake up, pay attention, be in awe of God; in the midst of any storm you are safe inside the shelter of God. As relevant and true today as it was in 1000 BC.

God is a god of mercy and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). He is the very definition of maḥăseh. Choose God alone as your refuge.