Castles were built with moats and high walls for defense. For the most part, they depended on height, breadth, strength, power, stability, etc., and sometimes even built an extra layer of protection by building walled cities, supposedly unassailable. But then came catapults and other devices which ramped up the need for defenses even stronger.
Warfare has changed drastically. Now with electronic surveillance, drones, and other highly sophisticated weaponry, is anywhere safe from attack? Even in our homes, we are defiled by spyware which knows and even anticipates our every activity.
Our spiritual life is under attack too. Although means of grace are available to me, I fail to arm myself minute by minute to ward off attacks. God’s word assures me that He is in charge, that He is my protector, that He is my sword and shield, that He is before me, beside, me, behind me. My head knows that is true.
Why do I feel vulnerable, even though I know my salvation and very life are in His hands? Because I have not yet defeated self-confidence to think that I, mere mortal, with all my flaws, still can protect my family and myself, when that is a false assumption. Attackers of doubt, finances, ill-will, lost dreams, vulnerability–all negatives–still try to convince me that disaster is climbing over my preset walls.
How do I combat this? I pray for strength, awareness, encouragement, and trust. I read His word. I meet with His people. I worship the eternal God of our fathers, and the only hope in this world where terrorism rises each day and where man’s leadership has obviously failed. I rest in my head knowledge and heart knowledge that Jesus is in charge, that He has fought and won the battle that really counts, and that He loves me and mine. That’s all the assurance I need.
I wait for the Lord’s reign when God will say, “Alright, man. You’ve had your way long enough. Now I am ready to defeat Satan once and for all, and take charge.” I’m not trying to put my words into the Almighty’s, heaven forbid. But I stand with the martyrs of old, and trust that I will do so now if called upon to do so.
Martin Luther wrote it so well, so I again sing it to the top of my lungs with my whole being:
“A mighty Fortress is our God a bulwark never failing; Our Helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great; and armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide Our striving would be losing; Were not the right man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, It is He, Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same, and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumpth through us.
The prince of drkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers No thanks to them abideth; The spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His Kingdom is forever.”
That about says it, no?
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