"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge." ~Psalm 62:8
Historian Roland Bainton writes that Martin Luther composed the well-known hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” during a time of deep depression. Yet, reflecting upon Psalm 46, Luther was moved to pen one of the most enduring proclamations of Christian confidence in the unshakable nature of God.
While Luther may have composed this hymn while in a medieval fortress, the psalmist probably had in mind a thick-walled, stone city, located high upon a hill. David, the author of Psalm 62, was well acquainted with such fortress cities. With first-hand knowledge of the protection that strong, high walls offered, he created a powerful image of the reality of God’s strength. But as secure as a stone fortress was, David knew that God alone was the true protection for his soul (v. 2).
Many times throughout his life, David faced powerful enemies who wanted him to fall (vv. 3-4). At such times, he turned to the only possible source of hope–God. Notice how many images David used in order to convey his confidence in God. God was his rock, his salvation, his fortress, and his refuge (vv. 6–7).
By describing God as a rock, David used another metaphor to describe God’s strength and solidity. Rocks in ancient Israel often provided hiding places, or refuge, in the harsh wilderness. We know that David was forced to flee to the desert more than once in his life. So, again drawing upon his own experience, David knew that the greatest possible refuge was none other that God Himself. No wonder he urged the people to “Trust in him at all times” (v. 8).
The rest of Psalm 62 offers a sobering picture of those who refuse to make God their fortress. Instead, these individuals trust in extortion or stolen goods (v. 10). But David knew that God, his refuge, justly rewarded righteous behavior and punished evil (v. 12).
Unlike Martin Luther or King David, you probably don’t live in a strong fortress! To understand the power of this imagery, consider checking out a book on ancient fortresses or medieval castles from your library and listing elements in these structures that offered protection and strength. For example, high walls protected from enemy assaults and fire. A hill location enabled enemies to be detected early. Think about specific ways in which God protects and strengthens your soul like these fortresses protected their inhabitants.
Many times throughout his life, David faced powerful enemies who wanted him to fall (vv. 3-4). At such times, he turned to the only possible source of hope–God. Notice how many images David used in order to convey his confidence in God. God was his rock, his salvation, his fortress, and his refuge (vv. 6–7).
By describing God as a rock, David used another metaphor to describe God’s strength and solidity. Rocks in ancient Israel often provided hiding places, or refuge, in the harsh wilderness. We know that David was forced to flee to the desert more than once in his life. So, again drawing upon his own experience, David knew that the greatest possible refuge was none other that God Himself. No wonder he urged the people to “Trust in him at all times” (v. 8).
The rest of Psalm 62 offers a sobering picture of those who refuse to make God their fortress. Instead, these individuals trust in extortion or stolen goods (v. 10). But David knew that God, his refuge, justly rewarded righteous behavior and punished evil (v. 12).
Unlike Martin Luther or King David, you probably don’t live in a strong fortress! To understand the power of this imagery, consider checking out a book on ancient fortresses or medieval castles from your library and listing elements in these structures that offered protection and strength. For example, high walls protected from enemy assaults and fire. A hill location enabled enemies to be detected early. Think about specific ways in which God protects and strengthens your soul like these fortresses protected their inhabitants.
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Your challenge this week is to create a card using this scripture or another verse that reminds you of all the ways God protects and strengthens you. When uploading your project, please use keyword ODBDBVT96 and then join us at Our Daily Bread Designs Forum to share your creation!
Stamps used for this card:
Our Daily Bread Designs - Time Set and Corner Rose
Blessings,
Wonderful lesson and beautiful card! Thank you and God bless!!
ReplyDeleteLove the added dimension of the butterflies! Coloring is beautiful and message thoughtful.
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