Fortress or Foot Soldier?

“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” -Psalm 59:17

A fortress is a war camp. It is a building or town where an army would shack up in order to rest, make plans, and prepare for the coming battle. A fortress is a heavily protected and impenetrable location. In war, it’s the safest place one can go.

When fighting the battles of life, whether it be against lust, greed, depression, worry, or a broken relationship, the Christian will often enlist God’s help in the struggle. The problem is, we often treat God as a foot soldier rather than a fortress. To us, he is just one of many ways that we fight those opposing forces. A little self-medication, some gossip, a few lies, a pint of ice cream, and a little God should do the trick! 

Perhaps the reason we’re struggling so much in the battle is because we’re trying to fight it without God in his proper role. Without a fortress, the army is left extremely vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. 

God is not just part of our strength and protection in times of trouble, he is the whole thing. He is our strong fortress in the face of every enemy. 

PRAYER: Dear God, I thank you that you are a refuge and fortress in times of trouble. Help me to turn to you today not just as my helper, but as my fortress on whom I can stand in a position of strength, even within the worst of battles.