Most of us have ready access, even front row seats, to world events on a daily basis. We are inundated with news from the Internet, cable television, radio and newspapers–much of the news discouraging, if not down right frightening! Wars, famine, dire warnings of economic collapse, the threat of civil unrest, lying political leaders and spiritual lethargy are symptomatic of the world we live in!
Security, peace and a sense of wellbeing are qualities we earnestly want for our loved ones and ourselves; however, those are in short supply in perilous times. Where and to who do you turn in troubled times? Solomon’s counsel to his son in Proverbs 18:10 answers that question with a truth every believer should embrace!
Proverbs 18:10 – “The name [reputation; renown; majesty] of the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal God; Self-existent] is a strong [power; strength] tower [fortress; watchtower; place of refuge]: the righteous [lawful; just] runneth [rush speedily] into it, and is safe [out of danger; inaccessible].”
What a wonderful promise! Whatever the trial, trouble or enemy we face—the Lord waits like a strong tower for His people to flee to Him for safety!
The “name of the Lord” refers to God’s person, character and divine attributes. There are wonderful examples in the Bible that illustrate how the Lord’s person and character are defined by His names. Permit me to name a few:
The Lord is my Rock—strong and permanent (Deut. 32:18; Ps. 19:14; Isa. 26:4)
Psalm 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
The Lord is my Refuge—a safe haven from my enemies (Psalm 9:9; Jer. 17:17)
Psalm 9:9 – “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
The Lord is my Fortress—a stronghold against my foe (Ps. 18:2; Nah. 1:7)
Psalm 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
The Lord is my Shield—my protector (Gen. 15:1; Ps. 84:11)
Genesis 15:1 – “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
The Lord is my Sun— the source of light and life (Ps. 84:11)
Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
The Lord is my Refiner—A purifier (Malachi 3:2-3)
Malachi 3:2 – “But who may abide the day of His coming [2nd Coming of Christ]? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:” [a “fuller” washed & bleached cloth]
The Lord is my King–The most frequent title used in Scripture to describe God’s rule.
Psalm 10:16 – “The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.”
Psalm 24:7-8 – “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
The Lord is my Judge—He is just.
Psalm 50:6 – “And the heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge himself.”
Psalm 75:6-7 – “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
The Lord is my Shepherd– (Psalm 23; Luke 15:4-7; John 10:1-18)
The Lord is my God the Father–(Psalm 103:13; Jer. 31:9)
Psalm 103:13 – “Like as a father pitieth [love and show compassion] his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.”
Jeremiah 31:9 – “…for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [Israel] is my firstborn.”
The Lord is Abba Father –Our Father (Matt. 6:9); Father of mercies (2 Cor. 1:3); Father of lights (James 1:17); Father of glory (Eph. 1:17).
My friend, I do not know what problems or challenges you are facing today; however, God waits like a strong tower for you to run to Him for strength and security! Don’t flee from trials…run to the Lord!
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith