Scripture for Today: Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.”

These towers were all over the island of Sardinia, off the coast of Italy.  I was there recently, singing with my French Gospel Chorale.  Our guide explained how vulnerable the island was to multiple attacks over the centuries.  Archeologists have found the ruins of seven thousand towers, although they believe there were originally as many as ten thousand.  Most of the ones still standing today are more recent from the 1500’s and served a similar function of defense and communication.

I love the description in today’s verse that portrays the Lord’s name as a fortified tower.  We never have to worry about this tower being in disrepair or in pieces.  It stands tall and beckons the believer to run to it for safety and security.  There may even be a small window like the one pictured, from which we can watch the Lord take down our enemies!  There is opposition to His name now, but one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His name (Phil. 2:10-11).

The righteous can run to it for safety.  The righteous?  Can that mean me?  I am given Christ’s righteousness as a gift.  I can run to that tower with confidence that I will not be turned away or mistaken as the enemy.  In fact, it is in believing in that precious name of Jesus that I am saved from the punishment of all my wrong doing.  “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).  Whatever opposition I face, He is there to protect me and fight for me.  His name and presence are stronger than any of my feeble attempts.

Lord, keep me running to Your arms.