My computer occasionally changes my opening page picture. This morning it featured a picture of the Rupea Fortress in Romania. I found myself entering into the picture and imagining the security that the people must have felt during the feudal days when systems of government were weak, local and threatening. How comforting it must have been to know that this fortress was nearby where the locals could flee in times of attack or fear! It sits high on a hill where it can be easily defended. Its walls are high with multiple areas of protection and security. It was carefully designed to be defended against any enemies.
I imagined the feeling of relief and safety enjoyed immediately upon gaining entrance to this refuge. The collective strength and resources of the people could be fully realized.
Of course, it immediately brought to my mind the words of the sons of Korah recorded in Psalm 46:
God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah
[A Hebrew term that beckons us to stop and reflect on the message.]
[The scene switches to Heaven – our eventual, eternal home!]
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
[An appeal is made to give God greater influence in our lives. A message directly from God is given!]
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
________________________________________________
Thank You, Lord for being a safe haven,
a secure respite
One who provides us a place of
rest and security.
Sometimes life can be
overwhelming!
At times like this, You welcome
us to run to You!
Like a mother hen, You shield us
from all harm.
We need to learn to run to You
more often.
We try so hard to make it on our
own!
You must be bewildered by our
failure to turn to You…
Teach me to realize that You are
my greatest resource!
Train me to turn to You with
greater frequency!
Show me the depths of Your love
for me
and the persistence of Your
pursuit of me
when hard times stress and
discourage me.
Help me to overcome my
self-reliance
and learn to cast all my cares
upon You!
AMEN!
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