IN CHRIST
There is a resting place for the weary soul. A quiet refuge from the noise and striving of this world. A holy hiding place where peace reigns and fear cannot enter. The Bible calls this sacred refuge “in Christ.”
Long ago, the Lord appointed cities of refuge for His people (Joshua 20:7–9; Numbers 35:6–28; Deuteronomy 19:1–13). Within those walls, the guilty could flee and live. No avenger could touch them there. Those ancient cities were only shadows of a greater refuge—the safety we find in Jesus Himself. “We who have fled for refuge lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18–20).
Christ is our City of Safety. The one who runs to Him finds mercy instead of wrath, rest instead of ruin. To be in Christ is to live surrounded by the strong walls of grace, sheltered beneath the covering of righteousness, and guarded by the gates of God’s everlasting promise.
In Him, every blessing of heaven is already ours (Ephesians 1:3). Not beside Him, not near Him, but in Him. Outside of Christ there is no peace, no pardon, no power. Within Him there is joy that cannot be stolen and life that cannot die (John 10:28).
When Adam fell, sin entered the world and death followed close behind (Romans 5:12). But through Jesus, life returned to those who believe (Romans 6:23). He bore our sins in His own body on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). He cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and the veil that kept us from God was torn in two. Those who come to Christ need never fear again, for He Himself has become our life and our peace.
To be in Christ is to be joined with Him forever, like a branch joined to the vine (John 15:5), like a child held in the Father’s hand (John 10:29). His Spirit fills our emptiness. His strength steadies our weakness. His righteousness covers our shame. The Father sees us now through the beauty of His Son, clothed in grace, accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 3:3; Galatians 3:27).
This is not imagination, it is truth. God does not only forgive us, He transforms us. His purpose is to shape us into the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29). The more we abide, the more we reflect Him. Like the moon reflecting the sun, we shine not by our own light but by His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The old man fades and the new man rises, renewed each day in the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This is the secret of the Christian life—Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). It is not about striving harder but trusting deeper. The same Savior who redeemed you now lives in you to sanctify you. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things become possible (John 15:5).
So abide in Christ. Let His Word wash your soul. Whisper His name through your day. Open every hidden room of your heart and let His presence fill it. There is no safer dwelling, no sweeter rest, no surer hope than this: to live and move and have your being in Christ (Psalm 91:2; Acts 17:28).
Lord Jesus, my Refuge and my Rest, draw me deeper into Yourself. Teach me to dwell in Your presence and not wander from Your love. Let every thought and every breath be filled with Your peace. Keep me hidden beneath the shadow of Your wings, and let Your life be seen through mine until that day when faith becomes sight and I see You face to face.
Amen.
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
