Never Dismayed

July 15

Walled cities were the fortress retreats of the masses in long-ago times. Villagers lived outside the walls of the city where they farmed and conducted trade but when an attack was imminent, they retreated within the walls of the defended citadel. That is where armed soldiers would fight to the death to preserve the integrity of the occupants.

Life sometimes places us in a position where we need a safe haven from the slings and arrows of the enemies who would assail us. We need a shield from the gossip, from the accusations, from the failures (real and perceived) which have dogged our heels and rendered us weary.

Our loving Heavenly Father understands our need for a place of retreat, a place to re-gather ourselves and regain our strength for the fray. We know that few places afford the kind of fortification we require when the onslaught of the evil one would overwhelm us, when minions from hell would converge upon us from every front. Our Protector, our King invites us into His fortification where we shall be safe.

We are told in Isaiah 28:16, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says, ‘I will lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation. The one who trusts will never be dismayed.’” That sure Stone on which to build the fortress of our lives is Jesus. He will never fail or forsake those who seek refuge in Him.