Our Refuge by Rosina F. Phippeny

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 12, 1865

Our Refuge.

By Rosina F. Phippeny

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Ps. lxii, 8.

How grateful I am for the promises that are left on record for our benefit; and for all those that are willing to humble themselves before the Most High. What would we do, poor sinful creatures that we are by nature, had we no place of refuge from the evils of this life, especially in these times; surrounded with all manner of evil which the arch-Deceiver of the human race is capable of inventing; and he certainly is an ingenious workman. It would be an utter impossibility to enumerate the various ways he employs to lead astray poor fallen man. Well he knows his power; and many are his strong holds, and innumerable are his emissaries sent by him throughout the world to deceive the unwary. Well he knows the shortness of his reign. A very clear reason why iniquity abounds in these times.

While these things are so, how necessary that we should trust in God at all times, and lay our troubles and perplexities before him. For in him alone is our strength and our refuge. I feel that “in God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God.” Ps. lxii, 7. When buffeted and tossed by adverse winds, how sweet the thought that we have an indulgent Father, a kind and loving brother to intercede for us.

When the heart is borne down with trouble and sorrow, and all seems dark and dreary, then may we find relief by looking upward. Ah yes, there is hope beyond the dark clouds, and by the arrow of faith we may pierce the gloom, and a ray of light from Heaven may suddenly beam upon us.

I praise God that there is a refuge for the weary pilgrims of earth. What could we do when tempted, and tried, reviled, scorned and persecuted, had we not God to aid us. Oh that we may have on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, having overcome all, that we may stand when Christ comes, and have our loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and taking the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And may we have for a helmet the hope of salvation.

If we are armed with these things, the darts of our enemies will fall harmless at our feet. And my sincere desire is, that we may have on the whole armor, so that we may be among the jewels to be gathered at the coming of the Just One.

Rosina F. Phippeny.

Ithaca, Mich.