My Rock and Fortress

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…

Psalms 18:2 (NASB)

Yesterday as I read today’s verse from Psalm 18 I was reminded of a rocky escarpment on the outskirts of our village, next to my old High School. It was simply known as “The Craigs,” which is a Gaelic word for rocky hills. At afternoon break many boys could be found climbing the rocky face of the hill, which on reflection was quite risky. The view across the whole village and beyond was a breathtaking sight to behold, from there you could see all and feel secure too.

Psalm 18 is a song of praise to God, from David who had been delivered from Saul. In verse 1, he declares his love for God, then in verse 2 explains why he loves Him. In describing God as “my rock” (craggy rock in Hebrew), he may have been thinking of some mountains where he had hidden from his enemies. These places were good fortresses, but in this psalm, David applies “my fortress” not to the mountains but to God, who saved him. Fortress in Hebrew unsurprisingly is defined as either a castle or stronghold; but one description was unexpected – a snare. On remembering my history of countless armies that floundered against the defenses of mighty fortresses, this made sense. When Almighty God is your fortress, as was the case for David, enemies are bound to suffer defeat.

Dear Reader, can you declare God to be your rock and fortress? Remembering this is important for the child of God, especially when your enemies are besieging your spiritual defenses.