How do you define “stronghold”?
I used to think strongholds were just negative. Because most strongholds tear down and destroy.
There’s only one Stronghold who laid down His life for us so we can have True Life now and forever. Jesus is the One-and-Only we can turn to, run to, cling to who will surely shelter us from all that would destroy us physically, emotionally, spiritually.
If we turn to Jesus, He promised to be our strength and calm, even if God does not quell our storm. God never promised us an easy life—a life without trials and tribulations. In fact, God’s word promised just the opposite (John 16:33).
But God did promise us a victorious life if we cling to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). He promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
As for me, I know our all-loving, all-knowing God allows only what can give more Life, more Jesus. God breaks open my heart so He can heal me with His. Only when he empties me, cleanses me, fills me with Himself can He pour Himself through me to a world desperately needy, dying for a cup of Living Water.
That’s our purpose.
That’s His plan.
The Living Water (John 4:10) wants to open and empty our stagnant stench, cleanse all our strangling dis-ease and fill us with Himself so we can go and show others the One-and-Only Stronghold who offers lasting refreshing.
What stronghold will you run to today?
May we run to the only One who is always for us and never against us.
Jesus.
May we run and stay in the shelter of The Most High and His Almighty Love.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the LORD that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:1-5
Special thanks to Amanda for permission to publish her photos I took of her here on the farm. She’s one of my faithful “sisters” who nudged me gently but persistently onto this writing path and who keeps praying me along.