Refuge and Fortress

Well friends, we’re in it now. When we started talking about the holiday stress and hecticity (made-up word ? maybe) it seemed too early. But we turned our back for a minute and now we are staring down the barrel at Thanksgiving. And maybe you, like me, have a huge project or two layered on top of all the usual crazy.

I don’t know about you, but I need that light God promised (“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light, Is 9:2). I can feel my shoulders tensing, my attitude slipping, the pressure mounting. Perfect timing for this name of God- my Refuge and Fortress.

This one is actually used in a wide variety of ways, but three of them really stand out to me. The first is a lot to think about but not the one I need the most right now. It’s the idea of a fortress- the huge, well-defended structure we can run to when threatened. I imagine a family on the frontier whose home has been attacked. They were able to get away, but they have been running for days to reach the fort that will shelter them. They get a meal, a bath, their wounds are tended. It’s a beautiful picture of God, but this is not a season of retreating behind strong walls.

The second is the cave that sheltered David while he was on the run from Saul. While in the wilderness, still in flight from the king he served faithfully, David finds a cave that provides a refuge, even if just for the night. Isn’t this more like the season we are in? We have to live this season- we GET to live this season, but every day we need the shelter of God’s presence. Right in the middle of our crazy, we need to stop, take a deep breath, remember God is with us.

The third use of the term “Refuge and Fortress” carries the idea of a shield and- new word- buckler. A shield was usually big, carried with one arm and held in front to protect the body. A buckler is smaller, and would be worn like a bullet-proof vest, buckled around the vital organs. It provided protection while still engaged in battle. Does that sound like something you need? It does to me.

This last idea- of God going with me into the crazy of my day- this is one I think I have missed too much. If my day feels crazy that does not always mean I am doing it wrong or that God is not with me. It might just mean it’s a busy time. If my life feels lonely or isolated it doesn’t mean I am alone. It might just be my current circumstances.

It is an emotional time of year. Depression, loneliness, stress, anxiety, worry….all are heightened at this time of year. Wherever you and I find ourselves on the emotional spectrum, God, our refuge and fortress, is here with us. We can – and should- be refreshed and comforted by spending a few minutes (or seconds if that’s all you have) quietly resting in his presence, reading the scriptures below that bring the truth of his presence to the forefront of our minds. But when we leave our quiet moment, we do not leave God behind and he does not leave us alone. Let’s rejoice in this light together!

Deuteronomy 33:26-29
There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety, prosperous Jacob in security, in a land of grain and new wine, while the heavens drop down dew. How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD ? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword!

2 Samuel 22:1-4
David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.
He sang: “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. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.
I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3
I love you, LORD ; you are my strength.
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.
I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

Psalm 71:1-8
O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free.
Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.

Isaiah 25:1-5
O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.
You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins. Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble. Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear and will never be rebuilt.
Therefore, strong nations will declare your glory; ruthless nations will fear you.
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,
or like the relentless heat of the desert. But you silence the roar of foreign nations. As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat, so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.