The enemy is coming, and their weapons are out and ready to strike. Today we might run to a bomb shelter or underground bunker to protect us from bombs and missiles. In the past, when the enemy armies approached, the villagers would run to the fortress if they lived close enough. They wanted to be within a strong building that would withstand the attacks of the enemy. Sometimes a fortress wasn’t always within reach, or a bomb shelter today. Where do we turn then? Where can we find a fortress or strong protected shelter today from enemies, either physical or spiritual? Our psalm today, one by the sweet psalmist of Israel, King David, speaks about his desire to find a good, strong fortress. Where will he find one? Let’s look and see.
Today’s Scripture comes from the opening and closing verses of one of King David’s many psalms. Like some of us, David was no stranger to enemies and to problems. Where could he go to find help? As he begins this psalm, David declares where he is putting his trust when the problems come his way. David boldly declares that he has put his trust in Yahweh (vs. 1). He is going to depend upon Him for any and all help, and he asks the Lord that He will not abandon him, nor let him down. David knows that God would never let him down, but he asks that in prayer, anyway.
Though the background of the psalm is not completely certain, it was probably written during the years when David was fleeing the attacks of King Saul. During those years there were a number of occasions when he was in serious danger, and his very life was threatened. At these times David cried out to God. He cried out for God to listen to him (vs. 2). Sometimes we might think that God is not listening to us, especially at times when the problems are big, and the stress is heavy. So we come to God like a little preschooler does to their parents, pulling on their pants or skirt, and crying “Mommy, Daddy, listen to me!” David cried out, “Bow down Your ear to me”, listen to me! Help me!
David knew that God was a refuge for him, and so can we. He is a fortress, a stronghold of defense and protection. God is like a strong rock that we can safely hide behind. Out in wilderness areas, we often come across large rocks and boulders, ones we could safely hide behind, and God is like that. Yahweh has a secret place where He will hide us from our enemies (vs. 20). The author of Psalm 91 felt the same way (Psalm 91:1). We, like David, can turn to Yahweh for protection when we face trouble, when an enemy, either physical or spiritual, comes against us. When David called upon God, he made his requests based upon what he knew of God’s Name and character. Because God is righteous and loving, He loves to deliver His children.
As we read in verse 5, David committed his spirit, his life, into God’s hands. This was also a prayer that Jesus prayed right at the moment of His death (Luke 23:46). The first Christian martyr, Stephen, also prayed a form of this prayer as he was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus (Acts 7:59). This prayer conveys complete trust in God, passing from His earthly care into His eternal care. We can commit ourselves into His care, both all through life, and at death, as well.
We need to know, and truly believe, that God is a good God (vs. 19). When we worry and stress over problems, even serious ones like David faced when his life was in danger, are we really believing that God is a good God, and that all He does, including for ourselves, is for our good? Because He is good, good God, He gives hope to the hopeless, and help to the helpless (vs. 24).
We can trust in the Lord to preserve the faithful, those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus as their Savior (vs. 23). As we serve Him, He will protect us, and bring us blessings. However, those who do not trust or turn to Him, He will judge.
Do you have a sure and safe place of protection to turn to when you face the enemy? For those who know and follow the Lord Jesus, we have in Him the strongest fortress and the safest shelter to hide in for protection. He is the only One we can trust to help. In the face of the enemy, the Lord has promised He will strengthen and protect His children.
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