A Strong Fortress

The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

Where do you run when you need shelter? Where do you run when you’re filled with pain? The word fortress in this verse refers to a place of security, a place you run to for safety. God has always been that refuge for his people, first in the Garden of Eden, then in the ark, and later in the cities of refuge God commanded his people to build so that if one person killed another unintentionally, the offender could seek protection in one of them (see Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19; and Joshua 20.) No other civilization had ever designated cities of refuge where the gates were perpetually open, available, and accessible to all.

But perhaps the second part of the verse makes some of you wonder whether you are good or godly enough to run to the Lord and feel confident the gates are open to you. If so, remember, it’s not those who have their act perfectly together, but those who are in right standing with God through Christ and who turn to him for help who are invited into the protection of his name and character.

Each of us needs a place where we’ll be safe from our enemies. The only true refuge is Jesus—not only in this life but also in the one to come. What a deep, abiding comfort it is to realize the magnitude of that truth: in strife, in doubt and turmoil, in the best of times and the worst of times, Christ himself is our refuge, not due to anything we do but all because of his mercy and grace.

Father, grant me the long-range, panoramic perspective of how you are my fortress and refuge throughout all my days on earth and forever. What freedom there is to know that you protect me and I can always turn to you for help.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure;

Save from wrath and make me pure.

“Rock Of Ages” By Augustus Toplady(1740–1778), English cleric and hymn writer