One of the best experiences I had as a kid was getting to build awesome forts out of blankets and pillows. My sister and I used to spend all day building the biggest, most epic fort and then we would chill inside and play my Game Boy Advance. Then of course the adults would play the “giant” coming to attack us. There was always a sense of security we had running back into the fort when we were spotted. It was like there was an invisible force field around us that the adults could never penetrate.
However, as much as I felt protected in my imagination, the reality was that those blankets and sheets weren’t all that strong. There was nothing stopping an enemy to come in, knock the fort down with one strike, and ruin our hard days work.
Sadly, we do the same thing in life. When we are under pressure or scared from the challenges we face, we often run to things that we think will make us feel better, but in reality, it is just temporary relief that will end up making us feel worse in the end. Whether it is a job, relationships, social media, drugs, alcohol or entertainment, these things may provide temporary relief but in the end they aren’t strong enough to protect us from the real challenges that we face in life.
So what is strong enough to provide us the security and stability that we long for? The Bible says in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” The author, King Solomon, makes a point to tell the reader that there is significance in running to the name of the Lord. More specifically, the name of Jesus, whose name brings salvation, healing, and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Today, think about where you have been placing your security. Is it in your finances, your phone, your job, or your relationships? Maybe it is in the past and you find more comfort in reliving the “glory days” instead of believing God for a better future. Maybe you put security in control and you are desperately trying to control your life, the way it will go, and everyone around you. I know I’m guilty of all these. But praise God for His grace and for giving us a fresh start every day to trust in Him again.
He has forgiven all of our sins and has given us a new opportunity to step into His strong tower. This is no sales ad or gimmick. The truth is that Jesus offers us a free invitation into this tower full of salvation, protection, rest, peace, and provision. No weapon that the enemy forms against it shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17) It is an unshakeable refuge. (Hebrews 12:28) Our job is to simply accept it by faith and walk through the door.
The Bigger Picture: When the trials of life come, instead of running towards the things of this world which are temporary, there is a name that is stronger than anything. His name is Jesus. Run to Him by faith and you will be safe.
The Bigger Picture 