“The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:2
Two hundred years before Jesus was born the leader of China decided it was time to do something about the Huns who were constantly invading the country from the north. He ordered a Great Wall to be built that would be so high and strong no one could get through. Yet, shortly after completion, the Huns invaded again. How? Did they even have the equipment to tear down the wall? Were they able to somehow scale the wall and get their armies and equipment over it? No, they bribed the guard at a gate and walked through.
No matter how strong and secure we make our outer circumstances, without inner fortitude and resources we will be vulnerable. The psalmist talks about making the Lord the stronghold of life. This was at a time when the King of Judah was fortifying the walls of Jerusalem, believing greater physical protection would provide the security that brings peace. But within a short time, all inhabitants of Jerusalem would be carried away to Babylon. The psalmist was prophetic. Without inner and spiritual fortifications, all outward resources eventually fall short.
Many people today put a lot of energy and expense into activities, belongings, savings accounts, and other investments we hope will give us the lasting peace we need. But the greatest source of peace is found in our connection to God. This Sunday we will consider the importance and power of simply looking up to the One who keeps us. In a time when maintaining our connection to God and church has waned, one thing remains true, there is no greater source of peace than what comes through the help and hope God provides. I hope you’ll join us in worship and invite others you know to do so too.
Rob