September 26, 2004

THE STRONGHOLD

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7, NKJV).

The stronghold of Bible times was a massive fortification. It consisted of impressive walls surrounding a city for protection and defense. Some walls were as much as thirteen feet thick, forty to fifty feet high, and ten feet deep or more. These fortifications were virtually impossible to scale and gave the impression of invulnerability. Bible writers often employed such massive fortifications as imageries of God's protection of His people.

Nahum ridiculed the stronghold of the great city of Nineveh while comforting Israel with the assurance that "the Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble" (Nahum 1:7, NKJV). So, it is with God's people today and always. In times of trouble and difficulty, our wonderful Saviour is our stronghold and indestructible garrison. Zion's stronghold did not consist in her towers and ramparts, but in the personal faithfulness of her covenant-keeping Redeemer.

Our protection and safety in times of crisis are not dependent on institutional strength, professional competence, fiscal solidarity, or other man-made strongholds, but in the strength and power of Christ our stronghold. Our stronghold is impregnable. He is our strong tower of defense from every attack (see Psalm 61:3). In this stronghold, there is full safety. "Look constantly to Jesus... He is the refuge of his people. Under the shadow of his protection, they can pass unharmed... Flee to the stronghold, and learn that the power of Christ to strengthen and to help passes all comprehension."--Review and Herald, January 5, 1911.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I can rest in the full assurance that You are my impregnable stronghold. Amen.