The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Nahum 1:7 KJV
Out of curiosity, I checked the thesaurus on my computer for the word stronghold, and I chuckled over what came up: stranglehold, vicelike grip, and iron grip. I’m certain that isn’t what this scripture means.
In the Bible, a stronghold is a place of security and survival, fortified for protection. When I think of a natural stronghold, I picture the ancient city of Petra, carved into sheer sandstone cliffs centuries ago in Jordan. People who lived there were protected by the towering canyon walls that enclose the city. They built cisterns and an aqueduct to preserve floodwater and carry it through an arid desert area. I was able to visit Petra, and I marveled at the craftsmanship and labor necessary to construct buildings in vertical rock surfaces. I thought of the people who lived there. They felt secure, depending on the almost impenetrable gorge for defense against their enemies.
Our enemy, Satan, comes against us with doubts and fears and disasters. He wants to destroy everyone, especially those who put their trust in Jesus for salvation.
But God is our supernatural stronghold, mightier than any fortress built by men. The Lord will protect us in times of trouble; He knows those who depend on Him for shelter and refuge. Nothing can destroy us when He wraps us in His loving strength. What a comfort in the face of adversity.
Father, thank You for providing a safe place, reserved for those who put our trust in You. Let me stay there forever. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2017 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Ardythe Kolb.