God is our Refuge – Immutable (Unchanging)
If we were to locate any of the ancient Biblical fortresses: the Citadel of David, the Stronghold of En-Gedi, The Fortress of Solomon, Masada, we would find today only ruins – suggestions of the citadels they once were. Material fortresses age, crack, decay… but our God is immutable! He does not change: “I am the Lord, I change not” (Mal. 3:6). When we make Him our Fortress we are safe forever!
It is a wise man who knows to get himself to a fortified and defended stronghold when the odds against him are high. Jeremiah cries,
“’Assemble yourselves, and let us go Into the fortified cities.’ Lift up a standard toward Zion! Seek refuge, do not stand still, For I am bringing evil from the north, And great destruction.” (Jer. 4:5-6).
In Proverbs we read, “The rich man’s wealth is his fortress” (Prov. 10:15), but wealth offers no protection against the onslaught of satan or the judgment of God! The wise man will make the Almighty his fortress:
“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods.” (Ps. 40:4, AMPC / Amplified Classic)
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Ps. 91:1-2, NKJV).
Even Superman has a fortress: “Fortress of Solitude.” I’ve often wonder what he did there? Certainly not a place of protection – this is Superman! So what is its purpose? It never seems to have much furniture, and it’s located somewhere far away, around the north pole –- far from ease of human reach! These facts, and the name of this fortress, make it seem to me that it is primarily a place for undisturbed contemplations. It seems even Superman sometimes needs to take time, get away, and think.
Our “Fortress” too can be a place of undisturbed contemplations. Does not the psalmist urge us in the same psalm, “Be still and know that I am God.” (46:10). I know of no better place to do this than during silent sojourn hidden in the fortress of God.
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.” (Ps. 57:1).
More tomorrow…
thebrokenrunner 