*My Stronghold In Times of Trouble*
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10)
Father,
I praise you that you are a stronghold. You are an impregnable, unshakable, unbreakable fortress. Those who take refuge in you cannot be overrun. Those who find shelter in you are not thrown about by the raging seas of life. You are a refuge, stronghold, and anchor. I run to you, hope in you, trust in you, depend on you, find all my refuge in you. I am weak and easily shaken. I am a bruised reed, battered and buffeted by the trials, temptations, and tribulations of this life. I am a smoldering wick with a fearful, easily discouraged heart. I can’t make it through this life on my own. I need a sustainer and stronghold.
Lord, I know you. I know your faithful character both from scripture and experience. You are a faithful God. You have proven yourself faithful to me again and again. You are a strong God. You have proven yourself to be strong again and again. You are a trustworthy God, a conquering God, a redeeming God. I call to mind all the times you have delivered me from evil, lifted me from the pit of discouragement, provided for my needs, and healed me from sickness.
You have never left me, nor deserted me. You have always kept me and guarded me. Because I know you, I trust you. Because I know you, I cling to you, knowing that you will not let me go. You have never once forsaken those who seek you. Generations of saints have sought you, and you have never forsaken one of them. You were faithful to Abraham and Sarah when they were well past the age of bearing children. You were faithful to David as he stood in the shadow of Goliath. And you were faithful to send a Messiah to save your people from their sins. You have always been faithful, always been a deliverer, always a rescuer. The story of the Bible is the story of your faithfulness. Even when I’m faithless you are faithful. You are the faithful God, and I trust you.