It was 22 years ago today, but the horrific image is indelibly etched in our minds. We watched on television in horror and disbelief as the giant twin towers of the World Trade Center came tumbling down, killing and burying thousands of victims. What epitomized the strength and stability of our nation collapsed in a matter of minutes, leaving thousands of tons of rubble and twisted  metal and a toxic cloud of dust and ash that covered much of New York City. What a picture of the transitory nature of man’s accomplishments, the frailty of man and the uncertainty and brevity of life, and of course, the depravity of man as manifested by the horrible acts of the terrorists. 

     In contrast, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” (Pr. 18:10). The word tower occurs 50 times in the Bible and refers to a military fortress. “Cities had towers built into the corners of the wall as defensive fortifications. They also had a tower in the middle of the city as a final stronghold if the enemy was able to breach the outer wall. If you lived in a city in ancient Israel, these towers would be a daily visual reminder of a place of safety and security” (from Friday, September 8th in Today In the Word, a monthly devotional from Moody Bible Institute). 

     Our hope as believers in Jesus Christ is not in any material “towers,” or in a strong military or a strong economy. Our hope is in the LORD, our “strong tower” that no terrorist nor any other power on earth can take down.  “Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God” (Psa. 20:7).  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride…The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold”  (Psa. 46:1-3,7).  

     The Psalmist, David prayed, “Hear my cry, O God, give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to Thee, when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy…He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken…God is a refuge for us” (Psa. 61:1-3). Hymnwriter William B. Bradbury, penned these words: “On Christ, the solid Rock I stand–all other ground is sinking sand.”  The LORD God is our “strong tower,” He is our “refuge and strength,” He is our rock, He is our stronghold.  Therefore, no matter what may come, “we will not fear” (Psa. 46:2).   

     Whatever adversity you are facing today, whatever “towers” in your life have come crashing down, if you belong to Christ, you have a place of refuge, a place of peace, a place of safety in the One who is Sovereign over all. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all” (I Chr. 29:11).   AMEN!

Forever His,

Pastor Dave