In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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Refuge & Fortress
Machseh, Metsudah (Hebrew)
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-29, 2 Samuel 22:1-3, Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 71:1-8, Isaiah 25:1-5
Description
When God’s people claim He is their refuge or fortress, they are saying He is a safe place in times of trouble. He will take care of them and protect them. King David uses “refuge” frequently to refer to God—a telling admission from the powerful, mighty king of all Israel who led victorious armies into battle. This name of God uses the image of finding safety and rest in a city or fortress to communicate the security God’s people have in Him.
Emphasis
God’s protection from external threats
Reflection
What do these names teach me about God?
There is no power on this earth or in the spiritual realms, that has the ability to overpower God! He has all strength & authority to keep watch over me and keep my enemies defeated!!
God is the source of my forever safety, knowing that I can always run to Him when I meet disappointment, or discouragement. And in fact he was already standing there waiting for me. The solid rock on which I stand is my forever refuge and safety. It reminds me to never doubt this!
TRUST. Why do I doubt him? The enemy wants me to be up in arms about life’s downs, but God has it and is working it to completion.
This says to me that God is the refuge to which I run. I always tend to run to a person like my mom or my fiancé, but these are people and I can’t make them my rock. The only solid rock is Jesus, and he is the one I need to run to.
Proverbs 18:10
God, my refuge and hiding place. My protector I can always run into His shelter and be safe from the battles of life and my enemies.
Lord, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders,
Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.
Need to pray this over and over, I am having a rough early first trimester. His plans for me were formed long ago, so I don’t need be afraid.
I am reminded that He is the great commander of his army- his people- me. He will bring them into battle the best way he sees and will lead his people to victory. We can follow knowing that he is trustworthy and fierce, and that ultimately the battle has already been won. He leads us in hat victory to our refuge, our safe place, our fortress- Jesus.