JULY 2
A STRONGHOLD IN TIME OF TROUBLE
Psalm 37:39-40
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in him. (WEB)
When I think of a stronghold, I imagine a huge fortress with tall walls surrounded by a moat. Nothing can break through; once you're inside, you feel completely safe and protected. In today's Bible reading, our God is described as our stronghold in times of trouble.
Jesus told us that we would face trouble in this world (John 16:33). Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, we all will go through trials and tribulations at some point. But in the last part of John 16:33, Jesus encourages us that we can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world!
No matter what we go through, God promises to rescue us when we need His help and offers us 24/7 refuge in His big, strong arms. If you want to read a great passage about His loving protection over us, just read Psalm 91, which starts...He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Although we have a safe place to go when we're in trouble, are we always aware of it? If we haven't yet fully trusted that our God and Father can protect us better than we can defend ourselves, our first instinct might be to defend ourselves. When we try to protect ourselves, our 'strength' can actually interfere with God's desire to be our fortress. That's why the Apostle Paul declared, "When I am weak, then I am strong."
My prayer today is that we all understand we don't have to defend ourselves because we have a Dad who has promised to rescue, save, protect, and strengthen us when needed. This is really good news for everyone reading this blog today. Our God is truly our stronghold in times of trouble!
Psalm 91:1-10
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; 6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. 11 For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. (WEB)
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in him. (WEB)
When I think of a stronghold, I imagine a huge fortress with tall walls surrounded by a moat. Nothing can break through; once you're inside, you feel completely safe and protected. In today's Bible reading, our God is described as our stronghold in times of trouble.
Jesus told us that we would face trouble in this world (John 16:33). Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, we all will go through trials and tribulations at some point. But in the last part of John 16:33, Jesus encourages us that we can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world!
No matter what we go through, God promises to rescue us when we need His help and offers us 24/7 refuge in His big, strong arms. If you want to read a great passage about His loving protection over us, just read Psalm 91, which starts...He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Although we have a safe place to go when we're in trouble, are we always aware of it? If we haven't yet fully trusted that our God and Father can protect us better than we can defend ourselves, our first instinct might be to defend ourselves. When we try to protect ourselves, our 'strength' can actually interfere with God's desire to be our fortress. That's why the Apostle Paul declared, "When I am weak, then I am strong."
My prayer today is that we all understand we don't have to defend ourselves because we have a Dad who has promised to rescue, save, protect, and strengthen us when needed. This is really good news for everyone reading this blog today. Our God is truly our stronghold in times of trouble!
Psalm 91:1-10
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; 6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. 11 For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. (WEB)