“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). If we imagine a strong tower, what do we see? A fortified stronghold adjoining a castle? An impenetrable fortress built to withstand all attacks of the enemy? Or perhaps a place of refuge? A tower generally allowed a view of the surrounding area from which enemy activity could be observed and monitored. It was secure and safe.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower.” He’s always there to run to when the going gets tough. We are encouraged to turn away from the enemy and retreat into Him, not to stand toe-to-toe and battle it out, but turn to Him for our protection and defense.

This might seem to be a cowardly way out. Surely, if we got ourselves into the predicament, then it’s up to us to get ourselves out. Really? But isn’t this just a matter of pride? We bravely tell ourselves, “I can take it. I am strong enough to overcome this.” And that’s precisely what the enemy uses to aggravate the situation.

“The righteous run into it and are safe.” Let’s run to the One who can help us. But isn’t this only for the righteous? Do I qualify for His protection? I don’t see myself as righteous. Scripture clearly tells us “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Roman’s 3:10). “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Yes, we are sinners. By Adam’s sin mankind was defiled (Genesis 3). We are all born into sin by hereditary contamination. And the consequence? “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and “For as in Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Yet, this is the very reason Christ came to earth, to die for our sins. God sent Jesus, sinless, to carry our sin with Him to the cross. He died with our sins, and broke the curse over mankind by rising again from the dead (Galatians 3:13). “Through disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the Power of the Gospel! Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we’ve become His righteousness! Now let us all run and cling to the Lord as our strong tower and safety!

Spencer Cromwell, Windsong Notes, North Little Rock, AR