GOD IS MY FORTRESS

For You are my rock and MY FORTRESS; therefore for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me – Psalm 31:3

The Psalmist mused: “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my FORTRESS…” (Psa.91:2). The Most High God is our Fortress amid the foes! A fortress is a fortified place; a stronghold; a large and permanent fortification; a place of protection; a stronghold to fight from. The fortress is some steps further than the refuge. When a warrior has established his position in a refuge for some time and is now better equipped for battle, the place of refuge then become his fortress. It is in the fortress that you put on your armour, consolidate your resources, and launch into battle. Here, your Divine Defender becomes the offensive Attacker against your adversaries: “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name” (Exo.15:3).

Key among Jehovah’s winning strategies for His people Israel, was that of ‘Fortifies Cities’: “Blow the trumpet in the land; Cry, ‘Gather together’, and say, ‘Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities” (Jer.4:5b). The Fortress is a place to retreat from harm’s way. When you are in Christ, the Most High God is not only your Refuge but He is also your Fortress, your Divine Garrison. Jehovah-Nissi is your Banner. David knew Jehovah as the God who never lost a battle, and he asked Him to be his fortress and strong habitation where he could continually resort to. When you have made the Lord your habitation, there shall no evil befall you (Psa.91:9-10). Accessing God as your Fortress deletes all of your distress!

David in Psalm 31 expressed his trust in God; he asked for speedy deliverance, and that God would be his “strong rock” and “House of Defence” (v.2). But suddenly, the prayer of petition turns into prophetic affirmation: “For you are my Rock and my Fortress…” (v.3). Notice how personal the affirmations were: “…MY Fortress” – “Regardless of the opinions of others, God is My Fortress!” However strong the assault of the enemies, however terrifying the troubles, however dire the adversities, however grim the reproaches, however ominous the horizon, with God as your Fortress, yours would be the shout of Victory!

For the thrice-Holy God to remain your Fortress and strong habitation however, you must eschew unrighteousness and walk in holiness. When you make the Almighty God your Fortress, he will defend and deliver you from all evil machinations, human cruelties, and spiritual wickedness. A fortress is a high place of safety. No wonder the Psalmist prayed: “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, and a Strong Tower from the enemy” (Psa.61: 2-3). Beloved, now we can declare together by faith: “The LORD is my formidable Fortress, my House of Defence, my eternal Shelter, my Strong Tower, and the High Rock of my Salvation. In Him I am divinely defended. Alleluia!”