I was on the beach at the sound the other day and came across what I assume was a fortress (first picture). I’m sure whoever created it had an exciting story how the fortress was keeping the people safe from an invading army. It got me thinking about how God is our fortress, our refuge. He keeps us safe from that oncoming army trying to invade.
I checked the trusty internet and refuge is used over 40 times in the Psalms (depending on the translation). I am not surprised seeing that David spent much of his time fighting battles or running from different people in his kingdom.
The word refuge is usually followed by a protection word such as: rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, shield. God not only shelters us and keeps us safe, but He is our defense against the things that oppress us. Your probably thinking wow that’s awesome I want to be in that fortress! Well you can! You just have to abide in Christ.
A lot of times I find myself wanting to do it my own way. I choose to live in the fortress in the first picture, it definitely will not protect me from anything, but I still think I can do it alone.
Instead, I should choose God’s fortress (second picture). If I abide in Him: follow His teachings, read the Word, and spend time with Him; I can be in that fortress and do not have to defend myself alone.
Psalm 91:
(1-2) “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”.”
(14-15) ““Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
By Andrew, Program Coordinator
