We all get scared. We all have times when we feel like our enemies have surrounded us. We all have times when chaos and despair from this life engulfs us. We all of times when we feel defeated.
These feelings and experiences, they aren’t new to us. Humans through history have had them and tried to cope and overcome them. They’ve tried lots of options. Some turn to themselves. Some turn their friends. Others turn to experts. While others even turn to substances or unhealthy habits. We turn to those places because we think they have the solution and can make us feel calm and secure again. But when we turn there and feel like we’ve gathered enough strength to go back and face the world again, how quickly do we have to run back to those towers?
Very quickly. Why? Because none of those people (however well intentioned or trained) and none of those habits or practices, provide a permanent safe space and the long lasting inner calm needed to face the storms of this life. So, where can we turn then?
Solomon tells us the answer. God. God should be where we turn first for our refuge and for our security. He is not just a safe place. No. Solomon says God is a strong tower. Nothing can penetrate it. Once inside, you are completely safe. God’s tower stands tall against the winds and rains that beat down on you during life. God’s tower cannot be broken into by your enemies or by Satan. It is the safest place you’ll ever find. God’s tower is impenetrable.
And Solomon says we shouldn’t walk to God or dawdle. No. Solomon says a righteous man RUNS into God’s tower. After all, when bad things happen or we are being “chased” by chaos, despair, the wicked, Satan, and all the other perils this life throws at us – a righteous man understands that none of the solutions or quick fixes or defenses this world has to offer will last. A righteous man understands God is the best place to turn in times of trouble. And he doesn’t second guess himself and he doesn’t casually walk to God’s tower. And God’s tower isn’t his last resort. A righteous sprints to God’s tower the first sign of trouble.
It’s not coincidence to me that Solomon describes God this way. His father, King David, repeatedly calls God his refuge and mighty fortress throughout the Psalms. Solomon surely grew up not only hearing these Psalms but watching his father live so this exact proverb. Solomon had be thinking of David when he wrote this. He saw this proverb lived out in his father’s teachings and own personal experiences – in times of run to God.
Solomon would have also seen that while David ran to God that did not mean all his father’s problems or enemies just disappeared. But what he did see was David finding peace and internal security knowing that no matter what happened – God was there and would always be there for David in this life and the next.
So, when the storms of life rage and you feel like your boat is sinking. Or, when your enemies or the wicked surround you and tempt you to join or mock you and oppress you. Don’t turn to anything or anyone this world has to offer. Those solutions don’t last and won’t protect you in the long term. Instead, run to God. He will open the doors to His tower and give you the peace and security you desperately crave.
Adonai's Appeal 