Seeking refuge

So many people seeking refuge
In this turbulent world of ours
Ever has this been the case in life
Ever have there been wars and strife
Just recently a boat capsized...
Many drowned in those harsh seas
As they tried to cross to safety in Italy
It is, and always has been, dangerous
To seek refuge: to seek safety
People running away from circumstances
Beyond bearing: beyond their control
Throughout the history of the Bible
There were always refugees, famine too
Genocide is not a new thing...
The Israelites fled to a new country...

There are homeless in Australia...
Seeking refuge...seeking a place
Of safety, of peace and happiness...
There are over 23 million people 
Right here in Australia...in desperate need
Of God...including all of us...
Are we in relative safety?
Can we truly say we are not in need?
We are all in need...
Only in Christ can we find true refuge...

The cause of all of these troubles...sin! 
There is no fear of God before their eyes...
There is destruction and misery...
They cannot find peace...
Because they reject God...
So...God has blinded their eyes
They choose to be blind...
They want to please the flesh...
They prefer to have blurred vision
Thus they cannot see their own folly...

Refugees are allowed into this country
They are given money but no practical aid
No real assistance is given...
To help them find work...
To help them find a home...
They are given a temporary protection...
After 2 years their visa expires...

It is only God who gives us permanent refuge
Though we will not have easy lives...
He promises to be there for us when we need Him

We have freedom to do as we please...
But do we have peace?

"These things I have spoken unto you
That in me ye might have peace
In the world ye will have tribulation
But be of good cheer...
I have overcome the world"
John 16:33