The names of God I find most comforting are REFUGE, HIGH & STRONG TOWER and FORTRESS. In life, our “ground level” view is often blocked and distracted by the chaos immediately around us, whatever is most franticly moving, whichever problem is biggest. However, when we climb God’s High Tower with him, we see from His perspective, and we realize we have been looking at the wrong part of the battle. I LOVE knowing that I can RUN INTO Gods tower, his fortress, his refuge when I need to. I picture myself running into his arms, the heavy door closing behind me, surrounded by the kind of silence that only comes in a place with the THICKEST walls after the door is sealed… and there is almost an echo when I breathe. There is a sand floor and rock walls, with a winding staircase around the outer wall. Can you picture it with me? Its safe. Its silent. Its with him. The invitation from God to step away to a protected spot, to breathe, take counsel, rest, even to retreat and heal is how I see this category of God’s character. That God offers to be our refuge, high & strong tower and fortress blatantly tells us that we can’t always protect ourselves… Why do you think its so difficult to just let God be those things for us? Why is it hard to stop defending ourselves and be weak enough to accept Gods protection? A few interesting thoughts from years of considering this part of Gods character:
- A fortress was built at the most vulnerable point of attack, but once properly built, it became almost impossible to overcome
- Security is not the absence of danger, but confidence in God no matter what the danger.
(Which is not possible without knowing God) After reading the verses and doing your SOAP Devotion below, throughout the day roll around in your brain what a refuge, high & strong tower and fortress are like, what words describe them, how that relates to God and what it means to you. Psalm 18 was written by David after he had flee his home because King Saul sent assassins to kill him
Psalm 18:2-3
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
SOAP Scripture: Psalm 61:1-4
S: (scripture)
Read the above passage and underline, highlight, or write down passages that stand out to you. Maybe re-read it a few times if that’s helpful.
O: (observation)
Write down things you observe about the passage. Maybe it’s a word that stood out to you, something the passage made you think about, or a question that you have.
A: (application)
Write down some ways that the passage applies to your life. Make it personal.
P: (prayer)
Take a moment and pray. Ask God to make the passage practical to your everyday life.
