“I’ll take lesser-known names for God for 500, Alex.” (I’m hoping we still remember who Alex is).

“The answer is, Psalm 17:7.”

“Where is God referred to as ‘Savior of those who seek refuge?'”

Correct.

Wondrously show Your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at Your right hand.

(Psalm 17:7 ESV)

Hovering over Psalm 17 this morning. Another prayer of David. Another plea for vindication (17:2). But it’s the phrasing in verse 7 that captures my thoughts this morning — a way of referring to God that, for me at least, would be lesser-known, yet greatly needed.

I’m aware of Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord Will Provide (Gen. 22:14), Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord My Banner (Ex. 17:15), and Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord My Peace (Jud. 6:24). Familiar with Jehovah-Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6), Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord Who Heals (Ex. 15:26) and, of course, Jehovah-Raah, The Lord My Shepherd (Ps. 23:1). But Yasha-Chacah, Savior of those who seek refuge? Not so much.

But if you were to ask me if I’ve experienced that Name before, you bet!

My God is the Savior of those who seek refuge — of those who trust in Him to deliver them from their enemies, who by faith have stationed themselves through Christ at God’s right hand of majesty and power. Been there done that.

The first adversary defeated? Death. A close second? The bondage of sin. And then start adding to the list. For every problem and persecutor, in every storm and through every stumble, whether facing difficulties or detractors, for those who seek refuge, He is Savior.

For those who flee for protection, He is Rescuer. For those who determine to rest at His right hand, He is Deliverer. For those who trust in the God who has promised to wondrously show His steadfast love, He is Preserver.

And, as I’m reminded every Sunday morning by my church, it’s not just the enemies from without from which He delivers, but those that I am well capable of creating and ceding to from within. When I’m weary and need rest. When I mourn and long for comfort. When I feel worthless and wonder if God even cares. When I fail and need strength. When I sin and need a Savior. Then too, He is the Savior of those who seek refuge. For, as we remind ourselves at the opening of every service, Jesus is . . .

The ally of His enemies,
The defender of the guilty,
The justifier of the inexcusable,
The friend of sinners.

So, maybe a lesser-known name, but it’s a greatly appreciated reminder. He is Savior of those who seek refuge.

By His grace. For His glory.