A Strong Tower

Proverb 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

The attacks of the enemy often happen unexpectedly. Towers were built in ancient times for many reasons, but most often they were a place to stage off attacks by invaders. It was a place of refuge, a place of safety.  A strong tower is fortified and structured to withstand a siege, to stand strong when the enemy attacks with accusations, persecution, temptation, and the trials of life. Jesus, the Name of the Lord, is our strong tower, He is our place of safety. We run to Him when it appears that the problems of life become overwhelming. The tower is a place where the child of God can find refuge when there is nowhere else to turn. A place surrounded by God’s protection and love. A strong tower is fortified to withstand the storm of life that comes crashing off the shores of a troubled sea. The Name of the Lord (Jesus) desires to wrap us in His arms, protect us from harm, carry us to safety. Run to Him. He is all we need. 

Overwhelmed Heart

 Psalm 61:2
 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
We are often overwhelmed with the cares of life. Responsibilities at home, work, and church can be difficult to handle. On top of that, there are those times of unexpected events in our lives that bring sorrow and a heavy heart. Our hearts become overwhelmed with the loss of a loved one or a relationship that is broken. There are no words that seem to relieve  the heart that is overwhelmed. The Psalmist was facing a difficult hardship in his life, his heart was overwhelmed, and he cried out deep within for a deliverance, a rock, a strong tower that would shelter him during this time of the storm.  He realizes that he cannot do it on his own, he needs a strength beyond his own will power. Jesus is the rock that is higher than us. He is the one we flee to, the one who will give us the strength to overcome when our hearts are overwhelmed. He says, “Come unto me all of you that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”- (Mat. 11:28). The song, “The Rock that is higher than I.” strikes a cord in our heart when the author pinned the words: “O then to the Rock let me fly, To the Rock that is higher than I; O then to the Rock let me fly, To the Rock that is higher than I!” When we find ourselves overwhelmed,  He is the Rock, our hope, our refuge in time of trouble.

He Is All I Need

 2 Sam 22:3

​​The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior…

 

He is all we need in times of trouble and distress. We are more than conquerors through the help of the Holy Spirit. We not only are protected by all that is evil through the blood of Christ, but we have not only overcome the enemy, but we are victors over sin and the devil. He is the horn of our salvation. “The horn of salvation symbolizes not only strength to help, but victory over sin.   Forgiveness of sin, the strength of God through all Jesus accomplished on the cross and resurrection, gives overcoming power and triumph to the child of God.  Not only over sin but strength to achieve daily tasks and energy to do more than we think we can.”-(wordimpartation.com) 

Hinds' Feet

 Habakkak 3:19
The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me walk upon mine high places.
When a deer senses danger, it quickly flees to find shelter and refuge. God made the hinds’ feet of these animals to allow them to jump high fences, stepping so as not to fall as they bound away from their enemies. God, who is our strength in times of trouble, gives us “hinds’ feet” to escape trouble and the ability to overcome difficult situations. That mountain that seems to be impossible to climb in our own strength, He gives us just what we need to traverse the rugged terrain and see us up and over the mountain that keeps us from claiming victory over life’s difficult problems. He is our strength and refuge in the time of need.

He is Our Refuge- Fear Not

Psalm 46 2,3, 10 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof… Be still, and know that I am God…

How quickly life can change. In a moment of time, catastrophe can happen. Fear grips the heart when the ground begins to shake and the flood waters of sorrow begin to fill our happy place. Being fearless in the face of calamity and the devastation of loss is easier said than done. Our hope is built on knowing that God is our refuge and He is there to take us through. He is our strength and knows what we are going through. We need to stop and take a breath and be still before Him. Acknowledge His power and love for us. He says, “Fear not, I’m with you”. We don’t need to be afraid as long as we stay still and let Him take control of our situation. Yes, fear and sorrow will come, but we know that all things will work together for good to them that love Him and our doing His will. Breath, and let God fill your heart with His love, for His love will cast out fear.

Help During Trouble Times

Psalm 46:10, 1 Be still, and know that I am God… God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The rain falls on the just and unjust. Bad things happening is no respecter of persons. When a plane crashes, when a terrorist bomb explores, or an earthquake destroys cities. People of all color, nationalities and religions are taken from us. Many hold God responsible and become bitter in their heart and refuse to acknowledge Him as a good God. To the believer in Christ, our lives are in God’s hands and He knows the number of our days and those of our loved ones. He is God and He knows what He is doing. He sees the beginning to the end and understands what we are going through. Instead of becoming resentful toward Him, He invites us to call on Him for refuge and strength. During our most trying times, He is our helper in time of trouble. We need to get alone with God and be still before Him. For in Him, we know He does and allows all things for His purpose. 

Unkind Words

1 Sam 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret…

Hannah, a young women in the prime of age to have children was barren. A women not able to bare children was devalued and pitied. Her adversary added salt to her wound by taunting her every year she came to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. Words have a way of cutting to the soul. Contrary to the common phrase “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”. Words are a powerful weapon that can can be emotionally damaging to someone who is already dealing with low self esteem or psychological issues. It is never right to speak words that are unkind and hurting. Speaking the truth should always be done in the spirit of caring and love. The answer to harsh word is to turn to God for refuge. He who knows the heart is able to bring words of comfort and reassures that He will take care of His own. Fret not, God values who you are and desires to make you into a vessel of honor and praise for His glory.