Where do you find refuge when it feels like trouble is rising up all around you? Having to respond to things we may have little control over can be exhausting and overwhelming. Living in this kind of chaos and confusion is not fun. Yet, in the world we live in its hard to avoid and can be downright scary.
The book of Proverbs offers this nugget of wisdom:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 NRSV
The name of a family, an organization, or any group of people is what binds them together as one in relationship to each other and the world they live in. It’s this shared name that gives a group of two or more people a shared identity, purpose and values to live by. Whatever challenges they face in the world, they stand together as one under their shared name.
Being part of a tribe with a shared name is like having access to a strong tower; a place where you can feel safe and secure; a place where you can get a better view of the battle you may be fighting even right now.
The challenge with some of the battles we face, especially the inward ones, is that we often find ourselves taking on these battles by ourselves. And let’s face it. That’s tough to do.
Some of the battles we fight can feel like hand-to-hand combat against multiple opponents with no one watching your back. You can be a great fighter and competitor, but in the back of your mind you know if you don’t get some help soon it’s not going to turn out well.
The good news is that you don’t have to fight these battles alone. In Christ, God is with you!
Think about this: When you turn your life over to God—asking Him to forgive you for your sins and shortcomings, and then putting your faith and trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross—not only will you experience forgiveness and peace with God, you’ll also get a brand new life with a family name that binds all Christ-followers together as one in relationship to God.
Understand, it’s this family name, His name, the name of Jesus that stands as THE NAME above all other names! A name that still heals the sick, causes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk. A name that still has the power to raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.
It’s the name of Jesus that causes darkness to flee and makes the enemy tremble in His light. When we call upon the name of the Lord we don’t stand alone. We stand with Him strong, safe and secure.
Viewing the battle from His vantage point, we are filled and refilled not with a spirit of fear, but with a greater measure of courage. Not to live the day out in defeat, but to win the day in His strength and in His name.
For at the name of Jesus, the Bible tells us, “Every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).
Here’s a SIMPLE TIP:
If you’re in the middle of a battle, call upon the name of the Lord right now!
If you have not received Christ as Lord and Savior you can say a prayer to receive Him right now. Just click the button below.
Whenever you call on the name of the Lord, you’ll be reminding the enemy of your soul and yourself that you are going forth to live out this day not in defeat, but for the win. For you will know that you are going forth as a member of God’s family, His child, His servant, in His name, and in His strength with the assurance that the Lord Jesus Christ goes with you!
“David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
2 Samuel 22:1-4 NRSV
Article Postscript:
If you feel led, encourage someone else by sharing this article, or perhaps another article that was an encouragement to you. This one action could be a real game-changer in their life. With God, all things are possible!!