'Our refuge is in the very heart

Our refuge is in the very heart of God

"Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is great!" 2 Samuel 24:14

There is a story of a man who dreams he is out in an open field in a fierce, driving storm. He is wildly seeking a refuge.

He sees one gate over which HOLINESS is written. There seems to be shelter inside, and he knocks. The door is opened by one in white garments, but none, except the holy, can be admitted — and he is not holy. So he hurries on to seek shelter elsewhere.

He sees another gate and tries that, but TRUTH is inscribed above it, and he is not fit to enter.

He hastens on to a third gate, which is the palace of JUSTICE; but armed sentinels keep the door, and only the righteous can be received.

At last, when he is almost in despair, he sees a light shining some distance away, and hastens toward it. The door stands wide open, and beautiful angels meet him with welcomes of joy. It is the house of MERCY, and he is taken in and finds refuge from the storm, and is hospitably entertained.

None of us can ever find a refuge at any door, but at the door of mercy . But here the vilest sinner can find eternal shelter; and not mere colCd shelter only, for God's mercy is tender . We flee for refuge and find it. Strong walls shut out all pursuing enemies, and cover us from all storms!

Then, as we begin to rejoice in our security, we learn that we are inside a sweet home, and not merely in a secure shelter. Our refuge is in the very heart of God ; and no mother's bosom was ever so warm a nest for her own child — as is the divine mercy for all who find refuge in it!

"The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy , forgiving iniquity and transgression" Numbers 14:18

"For as the heavens are high above the earth — so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him!" Psalm 103:11

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