“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” - Psalm 18:2 (NIV).
Our leading verse today has many insights for us. Any of us must be familiar with a rock, a solid mass composed of minerals, that can be used as a foundation because of its strength. Usually when visiting the seaside one sees waves tossing against a rock, wave after wave, yet being pushed back. In life one can face storms that come wave after wave, but where one has faith in the Lord God Almighty, He is indeed our rock. The waves will be tossed back.
In the olden times, especially during invasion, there used to be a stronghold in form of fortifications, where people would run to for shelter and take a last stand. These strongholds often rose as castles or towers built of stone. In life we need a stronghold where we can escape to if under attack, and the Lord Almighty God is our fortress.
In the days when armies would engage in physical combat, the shield was one of the most important weapon to have. The great Shaka, founder of the Zulu Kingdom, is said to have developed an edge over his enemies, by perfecting raw hide shields, in such a way that they could easily brush aside opponent’s spears. When spears are arraigned against us, in form of life’s challenges, we need a shield that can deflect any back, and the Lord Almighty God is our shield.
Again during war times horns where blown to rally soldiers and give them confidence as they mounted an attack. When Gideon went out to attack the Midianites with just three hundred men against their tens of thousands he said, “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon” (Judges 7:17-18). Indeed, “when the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men (under attack) throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords” (vv 22). This is why the Almighty God is the “horn of our salvation.”
Today, whatever may be shaking you, know that the Almighty God is your rock, fortress, a shield and the horn blowing with victorious sound against the enemies noise. You are safe.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise with confidence, and shall not be shaken for you are my refuge, strength and helper who delivers me through all troubles, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
