From Praying the Names of God Week Twenty, Day Five
The Names
These descriptive names for God often appear in clusters in the psalms as well as in other portions of the Scripture. When you pray to God your Refuge, Shield, Fortress, Dwelling Place, and Strong Tower, you are invoking the God who has promised to watch over you and keep you safe.
Key Scripture
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)
***
Friday
PROMISES ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S NAME
Over and over the promise is made—not just that God will provide a refuge but that he will be a refuge. But that promise cannot be fulfilled if we haven't enough sense to run to God whenever we are in trouble. What does it mean to "run to God"? Is it more than a pretty metaphor? Doesn't this "running," which the psalmist speaks of, involve praying as a first resort, aligning our lives with God's values, yielding to his Spirit, and trusting him to act for our good even when life seems the exact opposite of good?
Take a few moments to reflect on the trouble spots in your own life. What has kept you from experiencing God as your refuge? Have you been seeking shelter elsewhere? Are you angry at God for letting you down? Or have you dug yourself into a hole that you now think you have to dig yourself out of? Do you feel guilty and unworthy of God's help? Do you think your situation is impossible? Or are you merely the self-reliant type? Tell God today that you want to grasp, not just the theory of his faithfulness, but the experience of it. Run to him and you will.
Promises in Scripture
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12)
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:32)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Continued Prayer and Praise
Dwelling Place
Express your longing to dwell with God. (Psalm 27:4-5)
Pray for those who are falsely accused. (Psalm 31:20)
Envision God as your dwelling place. (Psalm 90:1-2)
Recall how lovely is God's dwelling place. (Psalm 84)
Refuge
Remember that God cares for those who trust him. (Nahum 1:7)
Believe that the Lord is an ever-present help. (Psalm 46:1)
Know that the eternal God is our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Find rest in God. (Psalm 62:5-7)
Shield
Be confident because God is your shield and great reward. (Genesis 15:1)
Remember that God is a shield and helper against enemies. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
Call on the Lord, who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7)
Rejoice because the Lord God is a sun and shield. (Psalm 84:11)
Fortress
Proclaim that the Lord is your fortress and deliverer. (2 Samuel 22:1-3)
Refuse to give in to fear because God is your fortress. (Psalm 46:2-7)
Let your soul find rest in God. (Psalm 62:1-2)
Strong Tower
Remember that God is a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:3)
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