Proverbs Chapter 18: Verses 10-12 (NLT)
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
In 1644, English judge Sir Edward Coke was quoted as saying, “For a man’s house is his castle.” Most of us would now recognise this as the saying that “an Englishman’s home is his castle” Whilst, sadly, this might not be the case for everyone, most of us would regard our home as our safe space, our place of refuge and security. Other people might regard other things as their security, their achievement. Solomon cites wealth as an example, but it could be in relationships or in other possessions. However, we can lose any of these things through circumstances, sometimes ones which are outwith our control. So, if these are taken away from us what do we turn to?
Far better to take Solomon’s counsel and make the Lord our refuge and safe place. We can appreciate all of those other things, but we should not hold on to them too tightly. They will not last forever, and we can’t take our possessions or popularity into eternity.
Dear Lord,
Help me to appreciate the people and things that are important to me, but to remember that they are not my security. Thank You for being my refuge and strong tower in times of trouble. Amen.