by Judy Gresham

Verse: 1

When clouds of doubt, hover over me,
and storms of life, toss me to and fro,
there’s a place of refuge that I can go,
he’s a shield over every tempest,
he’s an anchor sure and true,
in times like these, it’s good for me to know.

Chorus:

That God is my refuge, he’s a strong and mighty tower that I can run to,
God is my refuge, without him tell me what would I do.

Verse: 2

Once I was drifting far from the shelter,
just ahead I could not see,
those dark clouds were so heavy and full of rain,
when the winds blew hard and the bellows did roll,
from the raging sea, peace came the moment I called out his name.

Bible verses inspiring the lyrics:

• Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
• Psalm 91:2 — “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
• Psalm 61:3-4 — “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever.”
• Proverbs 18:10 — “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
• Hebrews 6:19 — “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”

Author info (few sentences):

The song “God Is My Refuge” (also known as “God Is My Refuge and Strength”) was written by Judy Gresham (sometimes credited as Judy Collins or similar in gospel circles). She composed it in the late 20th century as a contemporary gospel ballad emphasizing God’s protection in trials. Little public biographical detail exists beyond her work in Southern gospel and church music ministry.