The LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.

A future event will happen in the Bible which has been ‘hyped’ for centuries. For thousands of years, the return of the Lord has been prophesied as a great and awesome event. One thing may be certain. The Lord’s return will not be anticlimactic; it will not be like my expectations of the ice festival as opposed to the reality. As a matter of fact, the Lord’s return will be greater and more awesome than man can imagine! Joel, writing around 830 B.C., tells us in chapter three of of the overwhelming return of the Lord; our text tells us specifically about one aspect of His return. When the Lord returns, He will roar, and He will be a refuge for His people. Joel 3:16 teaches us that the greatness of the Lord will not overwhelm His people. Christ will be a refuge for His people. Since Christ will be a refuge, you may trust Christ to protect you.

Joel gave his prophecy directly to the nation of Judah around 830 B.C. The nation of Judah would not be taken into captivity until nearly 250 years after the prophecy. The nation was enjoying a time of great prosperity, but Joel poured cold water on the nation with his dire forecast. Despite his fearful warning, Joel also described how the same Messiah which will devastate the world’s armies will tenderly care for His people. Christ will be a refuge and fortress for them.

You may trust Christ to be a refuge and strength for you. Psalm 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.” Are you in some kind of trouble or problem? Have you recently experienced a tragedy or a heart-break? Maybe someone you love dearly just died. Perhaps you are in a job situation you hate, or perhaps you lost your job. Maybe you have bills that threatens to destroy your financial stability. Perhaps you have been sharply hurt by someone you love. Your situation may seem like the earth is splitting and the mountains are falling. Your life may seem to be crumbling around you. You may flee to Christ for the comfort and hope only He can provide. The very power which Christ uses to defeat His enemies He uses on your behalf.

What are your thoughts on this verse?

To what future, prophetic event does Joel refer?

What does Christ’s promise to deliver His people in the future mean for you right now?

How has Christ been a refuge for you in some past trouble?