Random Thoughts on a Winter's Day - Pt 2

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:10-15 ESV).

Our reading takes me to another muse on this winter day. We can find strength and security in the name of the Lord. Our reading declares that the Lord is a “strong tower” to any who seek security within. At one time or another circumstance will encroach into our feelings of security. We have a martin house in back yard. When I installed it I followed the instructions precisely making certain that it was the right height, far enough away from other trees with an open approach from every direction. All of the entrance holes to the 16 nesting chambers were just the right size and shape to prevent other birds from nesting in them. And, yet, the ubiquitous English sparrow has found a way to seize the house! Now, when the martins return they will drive the sparrows away, but for now I have winter sparrows in my yard. I suppose I could stop feeding the birds that frequent my yard, though that seems cruel to all the other species that have decided Texas winters are not so bad after all. Many people have an obsession for safety. The story is told of a wealthy Australian in the 1930’s, dismayed by signs that a global conflict was inevitable, decided to find a safe place to live. He chose a tiny island in the Pacific called Guadalcanal. We know how that “safe” place turned out! Please understand it is not wrong to seek safety from all of the dangers and disasters of life. However, our primary concern should be our spiritual safety, and there’s only one place to find that. It’s in the “name of the Lord,” which the writer of Proverbs called a “strong tower.” In his time, people fled to a well-fortified tower for safety from enemy attack. So he used that figure of speech to describe God’s name, which stands for who God is, the almighty, holy, and loving Creator-Sustainer of all things. You can find strength in His name. There may be moments when our faith falters, when we’re lonely or exhausted or just plain sad. There will be moments where grief grabs us and crushes us under its cruelty. When all that we’ve believed feels empty, and when each breath feels like a chore, then we may find redemption and power in His name. In these moments, follow Him, He will guide you away from the heartbreak, the loneliness, the death, the loss, the toughest moments of your life, and back into His arms!