The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower

“What’s in a name?” Romeo asked this probing question in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” The Faithful realize the powerful name “Jesus” can bring comfort and peace to a tortured and apprehensive soul. His Name conveys joyful hope to the fearful or depressed; it avails security to the threatened, vulnerable, or attacked.

Unfortunately, many unwittingly prefer mere shadows of security—an artificial sense of safeness. Often we expect people, money, governments, achievements, and possessions–poor imitations–to provide us a safe retreat. For a season we live under the deception that we are safe; however, this notion only endures until it is tested by trouble.  It is then we are crushed with the painful realization that a matter as vital as our security rests in a woefully superficial safe haven . . . .  This ominous scenario provides the impetus for honestly examining what or who we are really trusting in. Have we been hood-winked by our own pride…self-sufficiency…independence...the value of our own name?  

Often we allow ourselves to believe our name is our strong tower. It is the motto of the 'courageous' to stick out their chests while brazenly declaring, "I am going to make a name for myself!" While there is nothing wrong with being industrious and having personal initiative, there is too much wrong with arrogance. Consequently, we live in a fog of self-deception.  You see, there is no actual security without Jehovah God.  As a result, there is no wonder why we have so little peace; we have abandoned The Mighty Fortress for the defenseless and woefully vulnerable unfortified plains!  This is where we are when everything in life depends on something as weak as a human being. The enemies of our souls unleash assaults against us like flood waters from a dam violently rushing to our demise.  In our pathetic defense, we squander our energies erecting straw huts to fend off “fiery darts.” Like frighten children, we ineffectively hide ourselves under our blankets to shield us from the tempest gales of category five hurricanes.  Honestly, are we not more vulnerable… anxious… fearful... frustrated…discouraged than ever? What hope then is in ‘our name?’

Fortunately, there is a place we can run to for legitimate Shelter during the darkest and harshest storms.  The Psalmist counsels us to turn to the “Name of the Lord” (Prov. 18:10). Why? Because His Name signifies all He is in Himself– the manifest perfections of our Mighty Lord!  His faithfulness, sovereignty, mercy, wisdom, grace, love, power, and insight are like a grand lighthouse illuminating the way into the harbor of His Refuge. "Thou hast been a Shelter for me," says the Psalmist (Ps. 61:3), “and a Strong Tower from the enemy.” In this place you can find real and meaningful security. There is nothing to be afraid of with Jehovah God as your Shelter!

His Name casts on the movie screen of our minds the scene of a central fortress on a vast flatland, that in times of danger, the surrounding vulnerable populations can flee to for refuge. This Name is an impregnable high tower standing in utter defiance against every hostile assault from the foe. For many millennia  our God has endured against every assault from deniers, skeptics, atheists, godless philosophers, supposed empiricists, twisted theologians, scientists, religionists, dictators, political systems, and governments. Though they have unleashed their worst to attach Him, He still remains uninfluenced by their tirades and criticisms! It is into this Fortress “the righteous” (Prov. 18:10) run for preservation and are lifted high above imposing threats.  As we resort here, we are assured of safety during the most violent storms and through all attacks from our most ferocious enemies. The winds may blow violently against this Mountain, but Jesus Christ will not be moved by their rants! And you are safe and sound in Him; there is no need to worry (Rom. 8:35-39). 

The “righteous runneth into” (Prov. 18:10) The Strong Tower! We receive the status of "righteous" by placing complete faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is Christ who lived a sinless life and on Calvary paid the price for our sins through His death. He was buried, and on the third day He arose victorious over death, the grave, hell, and Satan. As sinners we turn to this resurrected Christ for forgiveness of our sins and to usher us into a relationship with God. At the instant we trust Christ, God forgives and cleanses us and gives us the status of "righteous." As a result, we have salvation and can find accommodations in Him and are situated above the dangers that tempt us to fret. Rely only on this Name for genuine salvation and security; Jehovah alone is our Bulwark and Sanctuary (Ex. 3:15; 15:1–3; Ps. 27:4, 5; 46). By placing ourselves in His custody, we are completely sheltered (Prov. 29:25) in the Mighty Fortress of Himself. Absolutely nothing can touch us here except at His sovereign permission. Be assured of His love, power, and wisdom; He is not haphazard or reckless in the way He handles your life. It is safe to trust Him implicitly and comprehensively.  

Now be honest, is not your sense of security in things, riches, achievements, power, positions, or people? Actually, this is true about the average person in the Western world. Ask yourself if these really afford lasting safety? You and I both know people with all these things, but they are still anxious and miserable. It seems the rich are anxious for more and the achievers must continue to excel or succumb to trends and time to finally fade into what they fear most--irrelevancy and insignificance. Unfortunately, positions, possessions, and people can disappear in a moment, but Jesus does not change nor will He abandon you because of your failures to perform. You see, only God can provide absolute unfading Sanctuary.

Take seriously this stirring reminder; the kind of assurance, peace and joy your fretting soul seeks is in Christ. Come . . . run to Him whenever the storm looms dark on the horizon.  Run to His Name when the enemy amasses a vicious offensive; when your heart is tempted to doubt or fear, run to your Strong Tower (Prov. 18:10). Even now, He opens the Fortress gates and summons you to Himself. Come on, what are you waiting for? Life is extremely dangerous outside of Christ, and death is exponentially more so! Accept His invitation to salvation and security in Himself immediately. Undoubtedly, a “Mighty Fortress is our God” (Luther).