How Do We Find Refuge in God's Presence?

King David wrote this psalm during one of the most challenging times in his life. He fled from King Saul, who wanted to kill him, and found himself among enemies. It would have been easy for David to give up hope or to question God's plan, but instead, he chose to worship and praise God. David had every reason to be afraid, yet he turned his fear into worship and trust. Despite the danger and uncertainty, David declared God’s goodness and faithfulness.

As we look at David’s example, we are invited to reflect on how God has been faithful to us, even here in Cambodia. Like David, we all face trials—whether illness, financial struggles, relational tensions, or moments of deep uncertainty—but through it all, God remains present, faithful, and trustworthy.

As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, I often reflect on God's faithfulness and how He walks with us through every season of life. One verse that has encouraged me time and time again is Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” These words from David speak of a deep trust in God's goodness, even amid difficult circumstances.

David’s Dilemma: Fleeing and Trusting

David was no stranger to hardship. He was anointed as king, but instead of stepping into his destiny, he spent years running for his life. King Saul, filled with jealousy and rage, pursued David relentlessly. In desperation, David fled to the land of his enemies, where he was forced to pretend to be insane just to survive (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Can you imagine that? The future king of Israel acting like a madman to save his own life! And yet, in this season of fear and danger, David chose to write Psalm 34—a psalm full of praise and trust in God.

David’s situation mirrors many of our own moments when we feel trapped or overwhelmed by the circumstances around us. Whether it's the pressure of work, the difficulty of providing for our families, or the constant challenges of life in Cambodia, we all have times when it feels like we’re running from one problem to another. In those moments, it’s easy to forget that God is with us. Yet, like David, we are called to remember God's faithfulness, even in the toughest times.

God’s Faithfulness in Cambodia

Living in Cambodia, my family and I have experienced firsthand how God protects, provides, and strengthens us, even when we face challenges. Cambodia is a beautiful country, but it is not without its struggles. From my own challenges of adjusting to a different culture to the financial pressures of ministry work, to the emotional and spiritual battles we face, there are times when we feel overwhelmed. But in every season, God has shown Himself to be faithful.

One particular memory that stands out is when our son, David, who has autism, was struggling to adjust to a new set up or environment. As a mother, it broke my heart to see him go through such difficulty, and there were days when I didn’t know how to help him. But during those moments, God reminded me of His presence. He provided us with a supportive community at his school 👉 Asian Hope International School, and He gave us the strength and patience to continue caring for our son. I saw God’s goodness in the little things—the kind words of a friend, the progress David made, the moments of peace amidst the chaos. Through it all, God showed us that He is our refuge and strength.

Another example of God's provision came when we faced financial difficulties. There were times when we didn’t know how we would be able to continue serving, but God provided in ways we couldn’t have imagined. He moved the hearts of people to give, and He opened doors for us to receive the resources we needed. Time and again, we’ve seen how God faithfully takes care of His children, even when the situation seems impossible.

Tasting God’s Goodness in Tough Times

Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. This phrase is both an invitation and a challenge. It asks us to experience God's goodness for ourselves, even amid difficulty. Tasting involves actively seeking out and savoring God's presence in our lives. It means trusting Him enough to take refuge in Him when life feels overwhelming.

In Cambodia, there are actually a lot of villages especially in the countryside in Kratie (where we used to live) would be flooded and lose their homes. We’ve had many moments where we’ve had to put this into practice. During the rainy season, heavy floods swept through our area. It reminded me of the typhoons I experienced growing up in the Philippines. Just like back then, we faced the challenge of losing power, access to food, and clean drinking water. Yet, during those moments of uncertainty, I saw how God provided for us and our neighbors. People came together to help one another, sharing what little they had. Despite the hardship, there was a sense of peace, knowing that God was with us.

It’s easy to worship God when life is going smoothly, but when we face trials, it takes faith to declare, like David, that God is good. But here’s the truth—God’s goodness doesn’t depend on our circumstances. His love, His presence, His care for us remains the same, whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley. And when we make the choice to trust Him, even in the toughest of times, we begin to *taste and see* just how good He truly is.

Finding Refuge in God's Presence

David’s declaration in Psalm 34:8 also speaks of the blessing that comes when we take refuge in God. In Cambodia, we know what it means to seek refuge. Many people here have lived through the hardships of war, poverty, and political instability. As a family, we’ve faced challenges in ministry, and times when we’ve felt inadequate or overwhelmed by the needs around us. But in every situation, we’ve found that God is our ultimate refuge.

Taking refuge in God means trusting Him with our fears, our worries, and our burdens. It means acknowledging that we can’t handle everything on our own and that we need His strength to carry us through. Whether we’re dealing with the daily pressures of life or facing a major crisis, God invites us to come to Him, to rest in His presence, and to trust in His provision.

One of the ways I’ve learned to take refuge in God is through prayer. In the quiet moments of the day, when everything feels too much, I’ve found peace in simply pouring out my heart to God. I’ve learned that He listens, that He cares, and that He is always ready to give us the strength we need. Whether it’s praying for my family, our church, or the people in our community, prayer has been a constant reminder that God is in control and that we can trust Him with every detail of our lives.

Encouragement for Those Facing Tough Times

If you’re going through a difficult season right now, I want to encourage you with the words of David: *Taste and see that the Lord is good.* Even in the midst of your struggles, God is present. He sees you, He cares for you, and He is working on your behalf. Just like David, who faced danger and uncertainty but chose to trust in God, we too can take refuge in the Lord.

Maybe you’re facing financial difficulties, health challenges, or family struggles. Maybe, like me, you’re raising a child with special needs, and some days feel overwhelming. Whatever your situation, know that God is with you. He is your refuge and strength, and He promises to walk with you through every trial.

Sometimes, God’s goodness is seen in the small, quiet moments—in the comfort of a friend, the provision of a meal, or the peace that comes when we lay our burdens at His feet. Other times, His goodness is seen in miraculous ways, when doors open that we never thought possible. But in every circumstance, God is faithful. He is trustworthy. He is good.

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Faithfulness

May we continue to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Taste and see, my friends, that the Lord is indeed good. 

As I close, let me pray for all of us:

Heavenly Father, 

We thank You for Your faithfulness and Your goodness. We thank You that, like David, we can trust You in every season of life. 

Lord, You know the challenges we face here in Cambodia and around the world. You see our fears, our burdens, and our struggles, and You invite us to take refuge in You. Help us, Lord, to taste and see that You are good, even when life is difficult. 

Strengthen us with Your presence and give us the faith to trust You in every situation. We pray for Your protection, provision, and peace over our families, our churches, and our communities. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Love,

the Hourngs in Cambodia