Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (NIV)

Psalm 61:1-3 – Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (NIV)

Two of my dogs are having a difficult time adjusting to our new home on the prairie, because they are terrified of thunder and lightning, something that we very seldom experienced in the mountains.

During recent storms, they paced, panted, shook, were ill, and tried to hide anywhere they could. No amount of hugging them or speaking quietly to them helped. Finally, I went to the basement, dragged out two solid-sided kennels, and hauled them upstairs, placing them in quiet, dark places.

Now, when a storm strikes, they both escape to these doggie caves where they can feel safe from the terrors surrounding them.

Dogs are not the only creatures that struggle with feelings of fear and even terror from time to time. I do, too, and, I expect, so do you. Our fear can stem from any number of things, both real or imagined. Fear produces very undesirable side effects, physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Like the dogs, however, now with the safety of their kennels to run to, we, too, have a strong tower to escape to where we can find refuge, strength, comfort, and peace.

God's goodness, grace, and mercy are always available to us, as our standing in Christ assures us of His favour. His justice protects us amidst unjust accusations. His faithfulness never fails us in regard to supplying our needs. His truth stands firm as a shield around us when the evil one seeks to burden us with false guilt and past errors. His peace is always available, no matter how afraid we may feel, if only we will take our eyes off our terrors and turn them upon Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream, even more than what our highest prayers seek.

Therefore, when terror strikes our hearts, as only terror can, reasonably or unreasonably, let us choose to turn our eyes away from our fear and look up to the One Who is the Rock that is higher than ourselves. By so doing, terror is turned into triumph, fear into courage, despair into hope, and darkness into light — for in Him shall we find our refuge and our strength.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You that You are as a strong tower, a hiding place of safety amidst any and all terrors that may assail us. Remind us of this when we need You most, Lord, that our terrors may be turned into triumphs. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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