My Stronghold

    The storm hit early in the morning. Powerful winds tore gigantic branches from the trees and even some of the trees themselves collapsed under the winds' mighty blows. Below, the normally peaceful waters had become a torrent of waves whipping back and forth and crashing ferociously against the rocky shores.

    The normal hues of blue were now mingled with the sand and seaweed below resulting in a blend of gray, green and brown. Sea foam gathered at the waters edge where the winds lifted and scattered it amongst the mossy hillside above. Only the seagulls were undeterred by the chaos. Rather they seemed to be elated by this unusual occurrence and took full advantage by swooping down and catching easy prey forcefully brought up to the waters surface.

    On the waters end was a single castle. A tower. A fortress. Though old, worn and parts crumbled from known and unknown histories, it still stood proud and defiantly against the storms' mighty winds. For it had withstood worse storms and wars. It had provided shelter for countless numbers and protected both man and beast from enemy attacks for centuries.

    And here I stand -in midst of this fantastic scene.

    The wet cold freezing my skin despite the cover of my coat. My hood is consistently ripped from my head exposing my face to the icy chill of the wind. Water from the drizzling rain rolls down my coat and hits my legs soaking into the fabric.

    Yet I do not feel it.

    I take no notice of the cold and the wind. It is nothing to me. For I am in a trance, completely enraptured in the spectacle before me. With each wave that hits the rocks, sending sprays of water into the air, I am filled with a great exhilaration! The longer I watch the waters the larger the waves seem to increase. Each one more magnificent than before.

    Each time wind cuts through my coat I straighten a little more against it. Like the towering castle I stand against the wind confident nothing from land, sea or sky can touch me. And no attack from the enemy can break me.

    I might weaken and lose focus, but my foundation is strong. I may have wounds from previous battles, but I can still stand. I may age and whither, but I will not diminish.


  "I love you, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, my God, my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold.

 The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. I call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a Strong Tower against the enemy.

 The Lord lives, and blessed be my Rock, and exalted be the God of my Salvation."


-Psalm 18:1-3, 46; Prov 18:10,61:2-3 (ESV)