September 26

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? — Ps 27:1 BSB

The image of God as a fortress is a recurring theme in Scripture. “The eternal God is your refuge,” and “God is our refuge.” Like the mountains that surround and protect Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds and protects His people. He doesn’t merely build a refuge—He is the refuge, placing Himself between us and danger.

Just as a mother bird shields her young with her own body, Christ on the cross bore the full force of God’s wrath, shielding us from judgment. His sacrifice provides protection for all who come under the shadow of His cross.

For every believer, God is a fortress, offering safety in every danger. If this is true, then who should we fear? The key is to ensure that we can personally say, “The Lord is my stronghold.” It makes all the difference whether we are inside or outside the fortress when the battle is raging. We must place ourselves within the safety of Christ through faith.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I trust.” Psalm 18:2

“He is my loving God and my fortress, my tower of safety, my deliverer.” Psalm 144:2