Coffee With The Lord

I am not sure we can fully understand the significance of the word “fortress” in our culture – a place where you could go when under deadly attack and danger from an enemy.  In ancient culture if you were living out in the countryside – away from a walled city – you were completely vulnerable to attacks from robbers and marauding bands of vicious, violent mobs or invading armies.  You needed and desired to live near a fortress that you could escape to in order to find safety for yourself and your family.  The bigger the better!  You wanted an impenetrable, imposing structure manned by strong, capable warriors.

Christians are daily under attack – they are the target of a vicious, cunning enemy who mobilizes every evil force at his disposal to defeat and destroy them!  David experienced it – some of those adversaries were physical – others were spiritual.  He saw the Lord as his ultimate fortress! … And so should we!!

This morning in my Bible reading I read what David had to say about the Lord as his “fortress”…

“In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter! Never let me be humiliated! Vindicate me by rescuing me!  Listen to me! Quickly deliver me! Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe!  For you are my high ridge and my stronghold; for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me… You are my place of refuge!  Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God… For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.  But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!”  You determine my destiny! Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who pursue me.  Smile on your servant! Deliver me because of your faithfulness! … How great is your favor, which you store up for your loyal followers! In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.  You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men; you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.  The Lord deserves praise for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.  I jumped to conclusions and said, “I am cut off from your presence!” But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.  Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his! … Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord!” (from Psalm 31 the NET Bible)

Hey it’s true… “The name of the Lord is a strong tower!  The righteous run into it and are safe!” (Proverbs 18:10)

Rescued from disaster or death! Ever experience it? What joy! What relief! God can and does do it! Perhaps He’s done it for you. Psalm 30 celebrates His ability to rescue…

“I will praise you, O LORD, for you lifted me up… O LORD my God, I cried out to you and you healed me. O LORD, you pulled me up from Sheol [or death]; you rescued me from among those descending into the grave. Sing to the LORD, you faithful followers of his! Give thanks to his holy name! For his anger lasts only a brief moment, and his good favor lasts for a lifetime*! One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning… You have turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy. So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O LORD my God, I will always give thanks to you!” (from Psalm 30 the NET Bible)

If you’ve ever experienced the Lord’s rescue (and I have)… Perhaps today would be a good day to make the Psalmist’s words your words and sing out (with a Spirit-prompted personal melody) or say out from the bottom of your heart these words. If the Lord has rescued you from sin, disaster, disease, or death today would be a good day to praise Him!

This morning words from Psalm 29 in my Bible reading prompted a reminder of the words of a great worship anthem…

“Acknowledge the LORD, you heavenly beings! Acknowledge the LORD’s majesty and power! Acknowledge the majesty of the LORD’s reputation! Worship the LORD in holy attire! The LORD’s shout is heard over the water; the majestic God thunders… The LORD’s shout is powerful, the LORD’s shout is majestic. The LORD’s shout breaks the cedars! … The LORD’s shout strikes with flaming fire! The LORD’s shout shakes the wilderness! …The LORD’s shout bends the large trees and strips the leaves from the forests. Everyone in his temple says, “Majestic!” The LORD sits enthroned over the engulfing waters, the LORD sits enthroned as the eternal king. The LORD gives his people strength; the LORD grants his people security.” (from Psalm 29 the NET Bible)