A refuge, by itself, is a place that offers sanctuary and safety. It is a figurative expression in Scripture describing God as our security. He offers us a place that we can retreat to for peace, quiet, and renewal.
God also says He is our stronghold.
“THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE,
AND HE KNOWS THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.” –NAHUM 1:7
A stronghold is a type of refuge, and it’s designed for times of war. When we retreat to our stronghold, we go to this one true God:
He Is Battle-Ready
In David’s war days, He and His enemies had strongholds. These fortresses were the places they would all run to when the battle became thick. There, weapons and rations were stashed. Strongholds are battle-ready. When enemies attack, regardless of how ruthlessly, a stronghold is a safe place to go and persist through the battle.
Our stronghold, our God, is just as battle-ready. And He is the victory.
[bctt tweet=”Strongholds are battle-ready. When enemies attack, regardless of how ruthlessly, a stronghold is a safe place to go and persist through the battle. @BethanyMcIlrath” username=”PatHolbrook”]
He Has the Provisions for a Seige
Holding out in a fortress during battle does not work out so well if the stronghold is empty. We need provisions as we wait out the siege. Sustenance, nourishment, company…hope.
The Lord provides all that we need- even when we’re persevering through a ruthless attack. Even when we’re waiting out hardship.
He Is Our Defense
More than just a place, a stronghold is a strategy: a defense. Strong and made with solid material like rock, fortresses are designed to keep trouble out. The strongholds we read about in the Bible, especially those that guarded David, were no exception.
Our stronghold is big enough and strong enough to be a living shield. Though at times oppressed and attacked, those who take refuge in the stronghold of God will be delivered.
[bctt tweet=”God is our Strong-hold: the strong One holding us in times of trouble and battle.” username=”PatHolbrook”]
“HE IS MY LOVING GOD AND MY FORTRESS, MY STRONGHOLD AND MY DELIVERER, MY SHIELD, IN WHOM I TAKE REFUGE, WHO SUBDUES PEOPLES UNDER ME.” –PSALM 144:2
{This post was originally published here}
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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP party is open! Join us at #RechargeWednesday as @BethanyMcIlrath reminds us of the refuge, sustenance and strength we can find in God – our Stronghold in battle. ” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Funny how often I have seen that word in Scripture yet never took the time to think through all that it meant and how it pictures our Lord. Thank you!
I hadn’t until I wrote this post either! So grateful there is always more to learn about God!
So thankful for all the blessings found in our Stronghold, particularly the wherewithal for perseverance through hard times!
Amen, Michele! Me too. Glad to see you here today!
How wonderful to think on all that is encompassed when God is our stronghold!
So much is available to us in our stronghold! Glad to see you here, Joanne!
Bethany, I taught Nahum 1:7 to my children when they were young, and it has encouraged me many times. Enjoyed learning about the various aspects of a stronghold.
It’s such an encouraging verse. A great one to teach to kids! Thanks for sharing in this, Debbie!
Bethany, thank you for reminding us God is not only our refuge, but also our stronghold who provides for us and defends us!
So glad to get to dwell on this with you!
This is such a reassuring image of God’s protection.
Amen! So grateful! Glad you’re here Lesley!
I’m so thankful God is our defense. We need a place of refuge every day!
Yes we do! Amen, Lisa!