Our Fortress

                               

“Our LORD and our God, you are my mighty rock, my fortress, my deliverer.” 2 SAMUEL 22:2

Rare indeed is the adult who can’t look back and remember building a fort. It’s a classic childhood pastime. In the mind of a child, blankets and cushions draped across the furniture might be seen as protection from a sibling’s attack, a place to hide from imaginary enemies, or even an indoor camping spot.

As adults, we outgrow the blanket-and-cushion version of a protective fortress, but we find the same needed security for ourselves and our families in other types of forts. A bigger paycheck can mean a larger home in a nicer neighborhood. Money in the bank or a higher number of stock shares can cover our children’s college education or fund our retirement. Sending our children to particular schools can expose them to a better environment or opportunities they might not have otherwise.

Whether by a real-life reality check or increased wisdom as we age, we usually figure out something about these newer forts. In the long run they don’t protect us any better than our children’s blankets over the dining room table did. They slide and fall, leaving us vulnerable and in search of answers. God is our fortress and protector. He is our most secure foundation and the best defense against any attack from our enemy Satan. We can’t keep an eye on our children twenty-four hours a day, but God can. We can’t guarantee there will always be money in the bank, but God can meet all our needs. God is the only one who can keep us truly safe in this unpredictable world.

 Rather than relying on a mom-made fort for protection, let’s ask God to help us trust Him to do the job and teach our children to do the same.

Prayer: Dear God, the world tries to convince me that material things can keep my family safe, but I know that’s not true. You are the real protector and the only one I can trust. Thank You for being my fortress. Amen.