Post by Les Brewer on Dec 12, 2023 18:11:25 GMT
Lean on God By: Jasmine Goh
Click here for the Audio Message
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Proverbs 18:10–15
While at a water park with some friends, we attempted to navigate a floating obstacle course made of inflatable platforms. The bouncy, slippery platforms made walking straight almost impossible. As we wobbled our way across ramps, cliffs and bridges, we found ourselves yelping as we fell unceremoniously into the water. After completing one course, my friend, completely exhausted, leaned on one of the ‘towers’ to catch her breath. Almost immediately, it buckled under her weight, sending her hurtling into the water.
Unlike the flimsy towers at the water park, in Bible times, a tower was a stronghold for defence and protection. Judges 9:50–51 describes how the people of Thebez fled to “a strong tower” to hide from Abimelek’s attack on their city. In Proverbs 18:10, the writer used the image of a strong tower to describe who God is—the One who saves those who trust Him.
Sometimes, however, rather than lean on the strong tower of God when we’re tired or beaten down, we seek other things for safety and support—a career, relationships or physical comforts. We’re no different from the rich man who looked for strength in his wealth (v. 11). But just as the inflatable tower couldn’t support my friend, these things can’t give us what we really need. God—who’s all-powerful and in control of all situations—provides true comfort and security.
Reflect & Pray
What ‘towers’ do you lean on? How can you remind yourself to run to God, the strong tower?
Dear God, help me to run to You instead of turning to other things for comfort and security.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As the writer of Proverbs so beautifully stated, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). In Judges 9, the people of Shechem ran to a stronghold (v. 46) for refuge when Abimelek—one of Gideon’s sons and a judge of Israel (before the time of the kings)—threatened the city. Abimelek had previously executed all seventy of his brothers, except Jotham who escaped (v. 5 ). Unfortunately, the people weren’t safe in this tower because Abimelek set it on fire and all perished (v. 49). But unlike the temporary security of a manmade tower or stronghold, nothing can stand against God. The psalmist David proclaimed God “a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:3) and “a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (9:9; see 18:2). We can always find refuge in Him.
Alyson Kieda
Proverbs 18:10-15
King James Version
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Click here for the Audio Message
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Proverbs 18:10–15
While at a water park with some friends, we attempted to navigate a floating obstacle course made of inflatable platforms. The bouncy, slippery platforms made walking straight almost impossible. As we wobbled our way across ramps, cliffs and bridges, we found ourselves yelping as we fell unceremoniously into the water. After completing one course, my friend, completely exhausted, leaned on one of the ‘towers’ to catch her breath. Almost immediately, it buckled under her weight, sending her hurtling into the water.
Unlike the flimsy towers at the water park, in Bible times, a tower was a stronghold for defence and protection. Judges 9:50–51 describes how the people of Thebez fled to “a strong tower” to hide from Abimelek’s attack on their city. In Proverbs 18:10, the writer used the image of a strong tower to describe who God is—the One who saves those who trust Him.
Sometimes, however, rather than lean on the strong tower of God when we’re tired or beaten down, we seek other things for safety and support—a career, relationships or physical comforts. We’re no different from the rich man who looked for strength in his wealth (v. 11). But just as the inflatable tower couldn’t support my friend, these things can’t give us what we really need. God—who’s all-powerful and in control of all situations—provides true comfort and security.
Reflect & Pray
What ‘towers’ do you lean on? How can you remind yourself to run to God, the strong tower?
Dear God, help me to run to You instead of turning to other things for comfort and security.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As the writer of Proverbs so beautifully stated, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). In Judges 9, the people of Shechem ran to a stronghold (v. 46) for refuge when Abimelek—one of Gideon’s sons and a judge of Israel (before the time of the kings)—threatened the city. Abimelek had previously executed all seventy of his brothers, except Jotham who escaped (v. 5 ). Unfortunately, the people weren’t safe in this tower because Abimelek set it on fire and all perished (v. 49). But unlike the temporary security of a manmade tower or stronghold, nothing can stand against God. The psalmist David proclaimed God “a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:3) and “a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (9:9; see 18:2). We can always find refuge in Him.
Alyson Kieda
Proverbs 18:10-15
King James Version
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
