There was never a promise that we would go through life free of challenges, trials, and even hardships but how you "weather the storm" is key. With the Lord as your shield and fortress, these experiences are significantly different even at times nonexistent as He's a fierce and an unbeatable protector.
It wasn’t even 5 AM yet, and I was well on my way on a roadtrip headed up north. Within the space of 45 minutes, I noticed that the outside temperature on my car’s dashboard had dropped 8 degrees! Fog and all, it was dark outside with barely any cars on the highway, and since I’m the type that likes to get where I need to go as fast (and as safely) as possible, with my high beams on, I was seemingly leading the way in front of a few other cars.
I was marveling at how different my experience was inside of my cozy car compared to how cold it was outside, and then a revelation dawned on me, “This is what it’s like when the Lord is our shield and fortress like it says in Psalm 91.” I couldn’t be surrounded by cold weather, but it not even touch me since the Lord shelters me from the elements.
The world could be going up in flames, but because you’re cocooned in God He’s like a fortress where the flames can’t reach you and the climate control of His love preserves you from even the smell of smoke.
It’s always easier to speak of victory when you’re not the one on the battlefield, but I still want to remind and encourage you of your position. Although it may feel like it, you’re not being beaten down to destruction, you’re not alone, and there is hope!
As David said in Psalm 23, even though you may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death you are not alone as God is with you. Go to Him in prayer. Cling to Him through His word. Trust and have faith in Him as He protects you as a mighty shield and fortress that cannot be destroyed nor overpowered!
