There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 1 Chronicles 4:9
For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Psalm 27:5
A little over a year ago, I went to Israel. It was an incredible trip to see the places I had only read about in Scripture. One of the places I went to was never written about in the Bible, but it holds historical significance. My group and I went to Masada, which was a fortress built around the time of Christ. Now, you must understand that this fortress is extremely high up. In fact, it took me almost an hour to climb up to it. Masada was built very high up so that any enemies would be deterred from taking over the fortress. You see, in the time of the Old and New Testament, fortresses meant protection. They meant safety from enemies. If you know the tragedy that took place at Masada, then you know that as strong, high, or fortified a fortress might be, no fortress on earth can provide complete security and safety. Only God can do that.
David describes God as his fortress in Psalm 27:1. Because God is his fortress, he claims that he has no reason to worry. He knows that God will protect Him. He continues to say, "He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock" (verse 1). In other words, David is absolutely certain in God's protection. In any and every situation, God will take care of him. Because of this, I believe that David had peace.
Just like God protected David, God protects you and me throughout each and every storm we face. Now, this does not mean we will not have hard times. It does not mean we will not have pain. It does, however, mean that our storms and hard times will not destroy us. Even death, which is arguably the most horrible storm, results in eternal life for all who follow Him.
Spend some time thanking God, even if you are facing a horrific storm. Thank God that He is your protector. Thank God that He will keep you safe. Thank Him that even the seemingly worst earthly circumstance, death, brings eternal life in Him. Let your worship throughout your storm lead to trust as your worry fades away.
Read Psalm 27:1-14 (NLT)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid?The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper.Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
