Psalm 61, Proverbs 20:28

When storms rage and the flood waters rise, the wisest advice is always to seek higher ground. Because the higher we climb, the more distance we put between us and the howling winds, the safer we become. And there’s no safer place to be than sheltered in the tent of the Lord.

As a military man, David knew well the advantages of building a fortress high atop a mountain. From making the tower practically impenetrable by an enemy, to providing a high altitude for archers to shoot farther, strongholds built on a rocky hill provided the best defense. So when David was at his lowest, feeling alone, overwhelmed, and drowning in the rising waters, he knew the best thing to do was seek higher ground.

For David that higher ground was the refuge of God. The Lord was his "higher Rock,” his unshakable foundation that had never failed. And during times when we feel overwhelmed, we have the same privilege of sheltering in the refuge of God. Because when we trust in Him, no matter the strength or size of the storm, God goes before us making our paths straight. For as Deuteronomy 33:26 reminds us, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in His majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

With everything happening in the world today, it’s easy for our hearts to become overwhelmed. And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear. Or we can trust in God who promises that those who put their faith in Him and not the world, can dwell forever in His fortress of peace and joy. 

King David was protected by a mighty army. But even he knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers. Only God could lead him to triumph over any and all foes. For the Lord was David’s "tower of strength against the enemy." (v.3) And He’s ours as well. So when we, like David, feel overwhelmed and as if we are drowning, all we need do is seek high shelter. Because from His mighty fortress, God promises to not just merely keep our heads above water, but allow us to sail through the storm with hearts of thankfulness and lips that sing His praises. 

Pause and Reflect -

Do you find yourself increasingly tired, frustrated, and burdened? Have you laid the great weight of that burden at God’s feet and  rested in His tent of peace? 

During a storm of life has God come through for you? Answered prayer? Shown his power and kindness? And, if so, do you use those instances to fuel your faith in trusting God as your unshakable fortress? 

Finally let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we know that during times of trials, You hear the cries of Your children’s hearts. So no matter where we are, even when we are far from home, we will cry out to you for help. For when we are feeble and overwhelmed by life, Father we trust in You to guide us into your glory where we are safe and sheltered. Lord, you are a paradise of protection to all who love You. From Your mighty fortress You lift us high above the fray. And we thank You that no foe can touch us when we dwell in the tent of Your presence. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen 

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I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖Lisa

Our Reading: Psalm 48 and Romans 10:8-10

Zion means “fortification”. It is mentioned in the Old and New Testament over 150 times. It has multiple references which include the city of David, the city of Jerusalem, the Jewish nation on Earth, and the future heavenly Jerusalem. 

The first mention of Zion in the Bible is 2 Samuel 5:7: “David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.” David was made King of Israel at this time. In this Psalm, the emphasis is not on David as the mighty ruler who makes the nation great, but rather that the city is a mighty fortress because of the presence of God. It is a place where the people can rejoice because God personally inhabits and provides all the resources they need. 

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.”  Psalm‬ ‭48‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

David was God’s kingly representative on Earth for a time. He was the foreshadowing of Christ becoming the ultimate King of Israel. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our hearts become God’s temple and dwelling place. Because of Jesus, we can have the joy of Zion in our hearts. 

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭

“Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭

We have the privilege of God’s Spirit to strengthen and fortify us daily as we travel in this earthly realm. But, we also get to look forward to a future Zion where we will have the ultimate blessing of God’s eternal, holy presence with us. 

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”  Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭

What a wonderful, magnificent place to be in. What rejoicing and festivity we will get to enjoy and share in fellowship with each other.  As we reflect upon the amazing privilege of having access to God’s presence and his fortification of our lives, it should encourage us to share with others “….that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭48‬:‭13‬-‭14

Reflection:

1. Do you think about being the temple of God and having the privilege of His indwelling presence? How does that impact your life?
2. Do you allow God to fortify your life by spending time developing your relationship with Him? 
3. Do you pass on the abundant blessings of God by sharing with future generations?

Prayer: Father, how grateful we are that You have made it possible for us to have such intimate access to You! We are blessed to have Your Presence with us wherever we go. You are the source of our strength and You fortify us against the enemy. May we rejoice to join You some day in the future Zion where Your holy Presence will be the ultimate display of love and happiness and where evil will be no more.