
But What Joy for Those Who Take Refuge in Him
WELCOME TO LET’S TALK GOD ‘N’ CHRIST
YOUR CHRISTIAN PODCAST THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES
I AM YOUR HOST GABRIELLA OSAMOR.
First, let’s pray!
Heavenly Father, thank You for these moments with You. Please open our eyes of understanding to grasp Your message for us. May it impact and transform our lives. Thank You King of Glory. In Jesus precious name.
Today, we’ll be discussing the topic:
Topic: But What Joy for Those Who Take Refuge in Him
Text: Psalm 2:12 (NLT)
"Submit to God's royal Son, or He will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities— for His anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in Him!"
We’ll begin by taking the same passage from three Bible versions.
The New King James Version reads, “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”
The Message Bible brings it home: “But if you make a run for God, you won’t regret it.”
The New Living Translation is emphatic: “But what joy for all who take in Him.”
Assuring, Encouraging, and Rewarding! God the Father at His best.
Introduction:
The Shelter in the Storm
There’s an old story told in the hills of Kentucky USA, about a violent storm that once passed through the region, destroying everything in its path—barns, houses, trees. After the storm had cleared, a farmer went out to assess the damage. As he walked across the debris, he noticed a mother hen lying lifeless on the ground. When he gently lifted her body, out ran several baby chicks—alive, unharmed. The mother had spread her wings over them and taken the brunt of the storm.
That’s the image we see in Scripture: a God who covers us, protects us, and offers joy not in the absence of storms, but in the safety of His refuge.
The World May Be Shaking — But God Is Still a Refuge
Psalm 2 begins with a scene of turmoil: nations raging, kings rebelling, people plotting in vain. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
- 1. Economic instability
- 2. Political unrest
- 3. Cultural confusion
- 4. Moral decay
In the midst of all of it, God is not anxious. He is not pacing the halls of heaven. The psalm tells us, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs” (Psalm 2:4). Not out of mockery, but because He knows who holds the power. He knows who the true King is.
Note this, Refuge does not mean escape from reality. It means peace in the middle of chaos.
The Danger of Rebellion — and the Invitation to Refuge
Psalm 2 is a warning. It reminds us that to reject God’s anointed (Jesus Christ) is to put ourselves in danger. Verse 12 begins with a strong caution:
“Submit to God's royal Son, or He will become angry…”
This may be uncomfortable for some. We often want a soft Savior—one who only offers comfort, not conviction. But the same Jesus who welcomes children also overturned tables. He is both Lion and Lamb. Rejecting His lordship brings destruction—not because He is cruel, but because life apart from Him leads to death.
Yet the verse doesn’t end with wrath—it ends with an invitation:
“But what joy for all who take refuge in Him!”
Refuge Brings Joy, Not Just Survival
Notice what the psalmist says: not just safety… but joy. There is a deep, lasting happiness found in trusting God that the world cannot offer.
What kind of joy?
Joy that endures suffering (James 1:2)
Joy that outlasts circumstances (Philippians 4:4)
Joy that comes from knowing you are held, hidden, and home in Christ (Colossians 3:3)
When you take refuge in Him:
- Your identity is secure
- Your future is assured
- Your soul is anchored
Practical Ways to Take Refuge in Christ
How do we take refuge in Him today?
- 1. Through Prayer – Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
- 2. Through the Word – Psalm 119:114: “You are my refuge and my shield; Your word is my source of hope.
- 3. Through Community – Refuge is not found in isolation, but among God’s people. Church is not a museum for saints but a shelter for the broken.
- 4. Through Surrender – You cannot take refuge in a God you do not trust. Surrender your plans, your pride, your pain—and find joy on the other side.
Conclusion: Run to the Refuge
Are you tired? Are you anxious? Are you afraid of what’s happening in the world, in your family, or even in your heart?
The arms of Jesus are still open. The refuge still stands. The invitation still echoes:
“But what joy for those who take refuge in Him.”
Don’t wait for the storm to hit. Don’t stand outside hoping to make it on your own. Run to Him. Hide in Him. Trust in Him. And know the joy that only refuge in Jesus can bring.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You that You are a safe place for our weary souls. In a world of noise, You are our peace. In a world of fear, You are our strength. Teach us to take refuge in You—not just for our survival, but for joy. May we surrender, trust, and abide in the shelter of Your presence. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.”
PLEASE SHEAR WITH OTHERS, YOU MIGHT BE SAVING A SOUL.
LET’S KEEP TALKING GOD ‘N’ CHRIST!
I remain
Gabriella Osamor,
Your Host.
LET’S TALK GOD ‘N’ CHRIST.