APRIL 20, 2 Samuel 22:1, 2

God is our fortress and deliverer, but what does this mean?

A fortress is a place of security, and a place where one can obtain refuge from one’s enemies. Fortresses were built not just for size, but have to be suited for the needs of the occupants. A deliverer is one who gives deliverance or freedom or relief. Here, the idea of God being a fortress to our souls, shielding us from the darts of the Evil One, blends with the concept of God being a deliverer, granting us peace and freedom from sin and the power of sin. Verse 2 is an interesting verse as it tells us that God gives protection (fortress) and is Himself the protector (deliverer). These are big words – fortress and deliverer. To a child, what would they mean in day-to-day living? To any child of God, whether that child is your age or someone the age of your grandparent, they mean the same thing: that in God we can find all that we need to fight against Satan.

On a daily basis, Satan attacks us. But we seldom sense it. Now Satan is smart enough to camouflage his attacks. When does he attack us? The very second you feel angry for a wrong reason, you feel proud, you feel like you do not want to help others, you feel like you do not want to obey your parents – that is when Satan attacks. How do we fight him? The first and most important thing to do is to recognize it is an attack from him and that we need God’s help to overcome them.

When troubles and temptation come our way, go to God. Like the hymn goes, “I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord, no tender voice like Thine can peace afford.” Remember, if you go to God, He will surely be able to help you for He, the Almighty God, is our Fortress and our Deliverer.

Thought: How blessed to have God as fortress and deliverer.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to have a thankful heart for the help that I can have in Thee. Teach me also to always turn to Thee for help first, not as a last resort. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.