

Do you ever feel nervous, overwhelmed or threatened by a situation- and feel like you want to escape from everything that’s going on?
Life can be a challenge and at times we may feel as if we are under attack, spiritually or emotionally (even physically, in certain situations).
The good news is that God offers security and protection to his children. He’s always watching us and listening for our cries of distress. He never takes his eyes off us, and he never leaves us when things get tough.
He’s with us in the everyday stress and in the really scary moments too.
Over the years I have been rescued by God from several dangerous situations. But I’m still here, alive and kicking- thanks to the saving power of Jesus.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where bad things happen- but we do have an amazing God who is a friend, a comforter, and a counsellor- and also our faithful defender.
Our Father is the all-powerful Lord of Heaven’s Armies (the MESSAGE translation is God-of-the-Angel-Armies!) and he has a voice that all of heaven and earth must obey. He tells us in Psalm 18 that he is a fortress and we can run into him to hide ourselves when we are afraid.
We can find six powerful metaphors in the first few verses of this psalm, all describing how God is a refuge for those who trust in him:
1.He is a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can’t follow
2.He is a rugged mountain full of clefts where we can hide
3.He is a rock that can’t be penetrated by hostile forces
4.He is a tower, far above our enemies
5.He is a shield that comes between us and harm
6.He is a horn to terrify our enemies or to sound a warning to us
King David wrote this psalm to thank God for deliverance and victory over his opponents. He said: “On the day that I was weakest, they attacked. But the Lord held me steady. He led me to a place of safety, for he delights in me” (verse 18. The Living Bible)
The Lord delights in you too– and you don’t have to be perfect in every way to qualify for his help. Go to him in prayer, sit quietly in his presence and rest in his love. He is your shield and place of safety. If you ask him for wisdom, he will show you what to do in every situation. He will either make a way out or he will carry you through to the other side.