The word counterfeit can be defined as a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery. Each of us has a natural inclination to find refuge in other people, places, or things. When our initial instinct is to turn to anything or anyone other than Jesus, it is called a counterfeit.

     Recently, I was reading Psalm 91. This particular psalm reminds us that receiving God’s supernatural shelter is equated to having confidence in Him. Verses 1 and 2 tell us, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” So, when you and I do not take refuge in God alone, we are basically telling Him that we do not trust Him.

     We cannot rely on “Counterfeit Shelters” like money, status, our appearance, connections/friendships, or worldly possessions; these are facades. While they may seem secure, their vulnerability becomes evident when faced with even the slightest adversity or change. Proverbs 18:10 reminds us, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”

     In order to be rescued from “Counterfeit Shelters”, you and I must set our love and our devotion on Jesus. I love how the New King James Version describes Psalm 91 verse 14. It says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” God is not obligated to rescue you from “Counterfeit Shelters” if you have not set your love on Him. I encourage you today to run away from anything that is an imitation of a real shelter that can only be found in Jesus.