“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.
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
