The name of the Lord is a strong
tower. The righteous run into it and
are safe. Proverbs 18 verse 10 Strong indeed. We have a strong
city. God makes salvation its walls
and ramparts. Every attribute of the Godhead
is such a tower. Every perfection such a rampart.
All combined to ensure the believer's everlasting security. Reader
Go inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many
towers. Take note of the fortified walls
and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future
generations. For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever, and He will be our guide until
we die. Mark the strong tower of divine
omnipotence. It proclaims that the Almighty
is on your side, that there is one with you and for you, boundless
in His resources, greater far than all that can be against
you. Mark the strong tower of divine unchangeableness. All
earthly fabrics are tottering and crumbling around you. The
dearest of all your earthly refuges has written on it the doom of
the dust. But, sheltered here, you can
gaze on all the pitiful changes of life and exult in an unchanging
God. Mark the strong tower of divine
wisdom. When his dealings are dark, and
chastisements mysterious, you must retire within this fortress,
and to be reminded that all, all that befalls you, is the
planning of unerring rectitude and faithfulness. See inscribed
on the chamber walls, the only wise god. Mark the strong tower
of divine love. When the hurricane has been fierce,
you're heartbreaking with new trials, the past dark, the future
a dreary waste, no lull in the storm, no light in the clouds. Oh, it is a great comfort to
you to retire into this most hallowed of bulwarks and read
the living motto emblazoned on its every turret. God is love. My soul, are you safe in this
impregnable fortress? Have you entered within the gate?
Remember, it is not to be near the city, but in it. Not to know
about Christ, but to win Him and be found in Him. one footstep
outside the walls, and the Avenger of Blood can cut you down. Turn,
then, to the Stronghold as a Prisoner of Hope. Once these were colossal
walls to exclude, now they are unassailable barriers to protect. They are now a citadel where
his saints are kept by the power of God. Every portal is open,
and the God of Mercy issues the gracious proclamation, Come,
my people, enter into your chambers. How safe, how happy here. in God. There is in this, says
Jonathan Edwards, speaking of the same blessed truth, secure
to me as it were a calm, sweet aspect or appearance of glory
in almost everything. We can hear amid the surges of
life, a voice high above the storm, the name of the Lord. It is I. Do not be afraid. It is I, remarks Newman Hall,
were as much as a hundred names. It is I, your lord and master. It is I, the commander of winds
and waters. It is I, the sovereign lord of
heaven and earth. Let heaven be but as one scroll,
and let it be written all over with titles they cannot express
more than It is I. O sweet and seasonal word of
a gracious Savior, able to calm all tempests, able to revive
all hearts, say but so to my soul, and I am safe. I will both lie down and sleep
in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me live in safety. Psalm
4 verse 8.