Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
The perfect storm can create havoc in a person’s life. This is certainly the case for those who encounter the monster tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama last April killing 180 people. A young man spared by the ravages of the devastation physically was a player for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. In the moments before the tornado would change his life forever, the robust athlete who was a “long snapper” center tried to perfect his girlfriend from the approaching danger by laying his much larger frame across hers while cowering in a closet. When he awoke 50 yards from his home in the midst of overwhelming destruction, in the silence of its aftermath, his life would never be the same. Though he survived, his girlfriend did not. In spite of our human nature to take every precaution possible, there are still moments in life that we lose control. This young man’s strength was no match for the powerful force of nature that would destroy many homes and lives of many people that day. There is only one strong fortress and refuge that can rescue people from the storms of life – He is Jesus Christ. This becomes evident when all physical, emotional and natural means of support are stripped away. Hope becomes the anchor of our soul when by faith people choose to trust the Word of God. Though geographically storms may not be a real threat or danger in our natural life, the enemy wages war in the supernatural. His primary goal is to destroy your faith in God. He is relentless in his effort. Even if things are going well today, there is no better time like the present to discover the strong tower of God which is available to all believers.
Psalm 61:2-4 (NLT)
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people. The Word of God indicates that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. No matter how “good” you try to be, it is inevitable that trials will come your way. It is unavoidable. I do not share this to discourage you, but rather encourage you! As Children of God, it is important to build our faith and trust in God and know His Word before devastation approaches for when it does it is too late to begin the building process. In these times, all we can do is run to our refuge. However, like the three little pigs found out during times of testing is a terrible time to discover that your choice of refuge is insufficient. No matter how much health insurance you may have, it doesn’t soften the blow of a devastating diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if your affairs are all in order when life takes a dramatic turn. As human beings, we are very vulnerable in the natural but can be strong spiritually by choosing to establish our refuge early on.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
People find confidence in knowledge. When buying a home, one often gets a home inspection so that they know the strengths and weaknesses of the building that they are purchasing. It is a wise choice. However, salvation should not be a “sight-unseen” decision. Once we choose to follow Jesus, it is important to discover what we are getting into. It is important to study the structure of His Word, to know His Character, understand His Benefits and discover all that there is to know about the Lord. These things are essential in trusting God. Yet many people call God by His many Names but have no idea provisionally what it means. You would not run to a rickety shack in the midst of a torrential storm. Weak faith is no foundation for such an event either. Confidence is an important quality of faith. One must trust God to abide in Him during the trials, tribulations and attacks in life.
Psalm 91:9-11 (NLT)
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
Faith in God as our refuge opens the door to a 24-hour security escort. His Angels surround those who choose the Lord as their refuge. It means that when the storms come no matter how they rage, you will be protected. Your family will be safe. It does not exempt you from the situations of life but it certainly will protect you through them. You will make it to the other side not because of anything man can do but because of God’s Strength that is now yours. No matter how things look or what others may say even in the midst of the most devastating storm, God’s Hand will be upon you and as long as you stay put in His Presence. You will make it to the other side.
Hebrews 6:17-19 (NLT)
God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Salvation and righteousness are the best insurance in life. God’s Promises make you the beneficiary of all that His Kingdom has to offer. By choosing the Lord as your strong tower, refuge and dwelling place, it is a guarantee of what is to come. There is everlasting hope in the midst of great adversity. There is joy when the world expects mourning. There is peace in a raging storm for those who choose to put their trust in God before the storm arrives. It is unnatural. The world will stare and often scoff at a faith that ignores the storm trusting in Jesus Christ. They do not understand. But after the storm, God’s Promises still stand as a testimony to those who may doubt opening the door of salvation and rescue to them as well. God’s Promise for your life does not change when circumstances do. In fact, He has factored every single detail of your life into His Amazing Plan. His Word does not change. Every single word God has spoken as an oath to His People is a provision for your life. Wrap yourself in the refuge of His Presence. Dwell in the Sanctuary of His Love. The storms will continue to come and go but you will not be moved.
Psalm 62:6-8 (NLT)
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
The sport of football is filled with many talented athletes. Young men who have proven their commitment to the game who spend their life in training and through discipline excel. However, there are games strictly determined by the team who puts their entire being mind, soul and body on the field and will gladly leave it for their team. They are victorious! This powerful commitment is an example to believers. God desires your life – heart, mind, soul and body. He promises to wrap you in His Protection and Love. Jesus declares victory for His People. He will be your refuge and strength but you must begin building now. Storms are coming. Some you can see in the distance and others will take you by surprise. But nothing catches the Lord off guard. He is a firm foundation. Immovable. Put your faith and trust in Jesus today. Even if your life is filled with clouds and sunshine, do not hesitate to dwell in the Presence of God. Run for Shelter today!
Pure Devotion 