Devotion for September 1, 2008

A Mighty Fortress

“You will keep [him] in perfect peace , [Whose] mind [is] stayed [on You], Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

Our God is a mighty fortress that no one can overwhelm. As the impenetrable walls of Jericho protected the people, those who keep their minds stayed upon their God will live in perfect peace. They may waver but never break though many evils surround them.

How does one enter this secure place? The believer is told one means of egress is prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). What better way is there to stay your mind on God than by praying?

Only one thing comes to mind, praying accurately through the Word of God. When one’s prayers digress to the selfish cries of a whining child, and God’s glory and purpose is not considered, then his mind is not stayed on God but on self.

Let one never forget his reasonable service to God is to be a living sacrifice proving God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect (Rom 12:1-2). That calls for submission to the will of God. When the trials come, believers are to count them all joy (James 1:2). When this attitude prevails, then God is glorified and the walls of protection form a haven of peace for the believer.

If you see the battle lines forming, make sure you are inside the walls. The best way to do this is to stay inside. However, if you are outside and caught unawares, there is a secret entrance called Repentance. Make your way there quickly.

A mighty fortress is  our God, a bul—wark never fail—ing.
Our helper He, amid the flood   of mor—tal ills prevail—ing.
For still our ancient foe  doeth seek  to work us   woe,
His craft and powr are great, and armed with cru—el hate,
On earth is not his e—qual.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is He!
Lord Sabaoth is His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And tho’ this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us.
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim — we tremble not for him,
His rage we can endure, for Lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers — no thanks to them — abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours  through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also,
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.