Three Ways That Our God is a Sanctuary for Us

How is God a Sanctuary for Us?

In the middle of Ezekiel’s writings about God’s judgment of the Israelites, I found this touching promise. 

“Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.”

Ezekiel 11:16, KJV

We might think of a sanctuary as a big, beautiful cathedral with soaring ceilings and stained glass windows. Or maybe it’s a warm, welcoming sanctuary with soft lighting and comfortable chairs. Yet what a blessed thought it is that, as Christians, God is our sanctuary!

But what does that mean? Here are three practical ways that God is our sanctuary.

1. God is Our Refuge.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1, KJV

A refuge is a place of safety and shelter. Often, in a physical sense, our homes are that for us. It’s somewhere we can go to retreat from the pressures of the world.

Spiritually, God is exactly that for us. When trouble comes, we can run to Him and find shelter. 

No matter what difficulty enters our lives, we can take every issue to Him in prayer. Looking into His Word gives us encouragement and wisdom to move forward. God’s Holy Spirit gives us comfort during those hard times.

2. God is Our Protector.

“Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings…”

Psalm 17:7-8, KJV

God watches over us and protects us. Whether we have a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual adversary, God is greater. He can defend us against any enemy and keep us safe.

Because we know that God loves us, we can trust Him to take care of us and to meet our needs. Anything that comes up against us is only what He allows to happen. How amazing that we have an all-powerful God to stand guard over us!



3. God is Our Peace.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 14:27, KJV

What a gift it is to have peace! When all around us things are crazy or chaotic or when life is doing its best to get us down, we can have the peace of God. 

The first route to peace is by accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Trusting His death on the cross and believing in His resurrection from the dead gives us peace that our eternity is secure and we have a home in Heaven.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that another way to have peace is by taking all our concerns to God in prayer. He promises that, as we do that, He will give us peace that’s beyond understanding.

When trials come and your faith is tested, know that God is a sanctuary for you. Look to Him as a place of refuge, trust His protection, and dwell in His peace.

Tracey Brewer

Guest Contributor