Our Strong Fortress

Psalm 37: 39-40

The Lord rescues the Godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in Him.

II Samuel 22: 2-4

He [David] said, " The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in Whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior--from violent men You save me. I call to the Lord, Who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies."

Every time King David talks about God being his Fortress, he uses the same word, matsuwd, meaning "castle, fortress, stronghold." This is a place where someone can be protected and defended from all enemies, where the ancient peoples would bring all the women and children to keep them safe in wartime.

God is our place of refuge and protection. We can run to Him and be safe as He protects us from our enemies, fighting our battles for us. 

O my dear Father, You alone are the Great God of the Universe, the Lord over all the Heavenly Hosts. I run to You as my strong castle and fortress. I am nothing without You. Please keep me mindful of Your presence with me, Your closeness with me, each moment of each day. Give me Your strength and courage to lean on You, not my own flesh, moment-by-moment, day-by-day, as You fight my battles. 

Teach me to rely on Your wisdom and Your patience and Your gentleness and love, that I may be so transparent that I disappear, and You are seen instead. Help me to be so invisible in Your stronghold that when others look upon me they may see only You. 

Then You will get the victory, and all the credit for everything that is done will go to You, and You will receive all the praise, all the glory and honor throughout all eternity for what You are doing today in my life and in this World.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!