A Stonghold

This morning during my devotional time, I was reading about King David. Shortly after David conquers Jerusalem, the Philistines come after David. In what perhaps on another day would have been a flyover verse, I came to this verse:

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. 2 Samuel 5:17 (NIV)

The mighty David, the boy who fearlessly killed the giant Goliath, a mighty military leader who seemed to have God in his back pocket, traveled from Jerusalem to “the stronghold.” David sought refuge and security, not in a cowering, fearful hiding, but in a defensive posture to take some time to inquire of God what he should do next.

These days my life and the lives of so many near me seem deeply engaged in fierce spiritual battles. I find in these days that I too must at times flee to my stronghold. My place of rest, safety, and inquiry of God. For me, that stronghold is a quiet place with the Word of God; it is sometimes in the quiet of my bed with my wife and the Word of God; it sometimes is the quiet of the Sanctuary at the piano; it is sometimes gathering others in the family of faith - the Body of Christ. In these strongholds, I find peace and rest and a clear ability to call out to My God in confidence and hope.

What about you? Where is your stronghold? I pray you find safety, renewal, and a Word from the Lord as you find that place of rest in the strong arms of Jesus.

The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (ESV)

Now for the rest of this story… David, from the depth of the stronghold, inquired of God and, following God’s direction was victorious over his enemy. Read it all in 2 Samuel 5:17-21

<>< Craig

Written from the stronghold…..