Devotional

Faith Amidst Fear: The Choice to Seek Refuge

“But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.” — Jeremiah 35:11

Commentary Devotional Prayer

The verse Jeremiah 35:11 states, "But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem." In this verse, we find the Recabites—a people committed to living a lifestyle dedicated to obedience and simplicity. However, even they faced the overwhelming tides of fear and uncertainty that swept over Judah during Nebuchadrezzar's advance. It prompts us to consider a weighty question: In moments of impending crisis or fear, where do we choose to take refuge?

The backdrop of this scripture paints a somber reality for the people of Judah. Nebuchadrezzar was a formidable king whose army heralded destruction. The fear that gripped the hearts of the inhabitants was not unfounded; they were dealing with the unstable geopolitical landscape of their time and the real threat posed by powerful enemies. In many ways, this mirrors our contemporary struggles, where we are often faced with fears that stem from external circumstances—be they financial instability, health crises, natural disasters, or relational betrayals.

The instinct toward fear is a common human response; after all, God created us with an awareness of danger intended to protect us. However, the danger lies not in feeling fear itself but in allowing that fear to dictate our actions. The Recabites felt compelled by their fear to retreat to Jerusalem, hoping to find safety amidst the chaos. But this decision also begs the question of reliance. Would it have been more appropriate for them to seek God as their true refuge rather than merely a physical location?

Taking refuge in Jerusalem may have seemed like the wise course of action, as it was the capital of their nation and historically a place of divine presence. However, amid fear, how often do we instinctively look to places or things that cannot offer us the security we truly need? Seeking safety in worldly solutions, whether they are physical locations or material possessions, often leads us to discover the instability of those choices. God alone is our true refuge and strength, as reiterated in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Jeremiah, the prophet, was acquainted with the struggles of his people. He was a voice of warning and counsel to them, yet many chose the paths of self-preservation instead of establishing faith during turbulent times. Reflecting on Jeremiah 35:11, we should consider how we respond to our own Nebuchadnezzars—the giants of fear, anxiety, and pressure that loom over us.

In light of this, let us recognize that faith enables us to confront fear through the assurance of God's presence and promises. In times when we feel compelled to react instinctively and seek safety in our circumstances, the Lord invites us to delve deeper into Him. He beckons us to draw upon Him, expressing our fears and uncertainties candidly. In 1 Peter 5:7, the scripture urges, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." When we shift our trust from the temporary security of our surroundings to the eternal sovereignty of God, we find peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

In this devotional, consider reflecting on the sources of your fears. Are they leading you to a place of dependency on God, or do they cause you to flee toward unreliable refuges? Pray for discernment to recognize when fear begins to oversaturate your heart and mind, and invite God into those areas of your life, allowing Him to guide, protect, and enhance your faith. In doing so, you will find that as you seek God in times of crisis, your refuge becomes not just a place of physical safety, but a dwelling place of peace and abiding trust in the Almighty.

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Artwork for Jeremiah 35:11

Jeremiah 35:11 - "But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem."

"But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem." - Jeremiah 35:11

Jeremiah 35:12 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,"

"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 35:12

John (11:35) Jesus wept.

Jeremiah 35:1 - "The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,"

John (11:35) Jesus wept.

Jeremiah 35:3 - "Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;"