“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him.”
–Nahum 1:7
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.
Further, He is our stronghold.
A form of a refuge, a stronghold is a fortress. 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 continue the battle.
Our stronghold, our God, is just as battle-ready. And He is the victory.
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 preserving through a ruthless attack. Even when we’re waiting out hardship.
He Is Our Defense
More than a place, a stronghold was 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 their God will be delivered.
He is our strong-hold: the strong one holding us in times of trouble and battle.
“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 is being shared on: #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #DanceWithJesus and #LifeGivingLinkup.
This is so great and timely! I have a relative going through chemo for breast cancer and wanted to do something special with a verse she finds strength in, so I made her a canvas tote to take to her treatments, filled it with goodies and scripture and put a verse that brings her strength and comfort on the outside. That verse is Psalm 9:9, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Great post! Love digging deeper into the meanings of the words in scripture!
So sorry for your relative, but grateful that the Lord is her refuge too! And I love that idea, I might be borrowing it in the future. What an encouragement!
Beautiful encouragement here! Great insights into the meaning of Stronghold!
I love the image of God being our refuge – our stronghold. Psalm 24 is one of my favorites — He will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Kept!
Oh how we need our Stronghold! These words got delivered right in the middle of my shift at Walmart. Thank you Bethany for obeying our Father!
Love His timing, Steven : ) He is good! Thank you!