January 13, 2010

HE IS OUR STRONGHOLD

Key Verse
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  (Psalm 9:9)
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Central Truth

No matter what we're going through, God hears our cries for help and never abandons us.  He desires that we run to Him in times of trouble.

Reflections

There don't seem to be many guarantees in life, but one thing we're guaranteed is that "In this world you will have trouble."  Jesus tells us that in John 16:33.  Yes, absolutely no one is immune to trouble and we are all guaranteed a certain amount of it.  I don't know about you, but that makes me just a little uncomfortable.  I don't really like the thought of experiencing trouble.  However, one thing that makes me very comfortable is knowing that God is there for me no matter what in those times of trouble.  In fact, He's there for me like nothing else or no one else ever could be.

The freedictionary.com defines "stronghold" as a "place of survival or refuge."  I love that!  To me the word stronghold usually has a negative connotation.  However, here it's used as a positive!  God is our "stronghold" or our "place of survival or refuge".  He desires that we run to Him in times of trouble and He will get us through it.  He will help us survive it.  In fact, not only will He help us to survive it, He'll take us through it with a sense of being restored and refreshed like nothing else, because when we run to Him, we always find ourselves growing even closer to Him than before.  Then, we often end up feeling blessed during those times of trouble.  That's a comforting thought!

Discussion Questions

1.  What troubles are you experiencing right now?

2.  Where have you turned for help in your current situation?  Has it helped?

3.  Are you willing to pray about and trust God with your current situation?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. Terry Melle

    January 13, 2010 05:19 AM

    Nicely said, I think, about the blessings that we experience because our faith is in the only stronghold that matters. We are truly and undeservedly fortunate.

  2. Chip Smith

    January 13, 2010 05:59 AM

    Good morning Kapryce. Our family loves games too. We try to have a family game night at least 2-3 times a month. As we are going through the Psalms, I am struck by the delight that the psalmist David has in the LORD even in the midst of pressing troubles. His delight is expressed in exultation (praise and worship) to the LORD. I see that the "stronghold" he talks about is not so much a place as it is an attitude. Because as a place, it is geographically bound, but as an attitude, it can be with me anywhere. So what is that attitude? It is gratitude expressed in praise and worship to God for He is with us always. Is that cool or what? Have a great day of gratitude.

  3. randy

    January 13, 2010 07:12 AM

    Giving thanks to the Lord with all my heart this morning for my family, my church family, Join the Journey Daily Devotionals, bringing me through life's storms, and for all God's provision. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBxmpYlVhB4

  4. Tim Hawks

    January 13, 2010 07:17 AM

    Your insight that the thing we ofter fear the most, some sort of trouble, is the thing that drive us to the one we desire the most, God Himself. And God is always faithful and reliable. Thanks, Kapryce!

  5. Cindy Hawks

    January 13, 2010 08:54 AM

    Hi Kapryce! I love the mental picture of running to God, that He is my safe place. I also loved the verse following our key verse today, reassuring us that when we run to Him, He will always be for us: "for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." My responsibility is to seek Him, and He will be my stronghold, He will not forsake me. He never has. He never will. Thanks for the encouragement today!

  6. Randy Allen

    January 13, 2010 09:19 AM

    Thanks for your comments today. We all need this one.

  7. Julie Rice

    January 13, 2010 08:39 PM

    Kapryce, So nice to see your sweet face. It amazes me when you open a devotional and it speaks to you in such a personal way. I am reading this late in the evening after a challenging day. It is exactly what I needed to be reminded of. What comfort in knowing that God is for us..always. Thank you.

  8. Beckye Estill

    January 13, 2010 08:49 PM

    Thanks, Kapryce! Amen! God is our refuge, our high tower, our strength, our stronghold and song. Thanks for sharing this today!

  9. Rob White

    January 14, 2010 07:33 PM

    Kapryce, Thanks for sharing. Your words were right on. Sounds like you have lived out what your were writing about. It was just what I needed to read today.

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Kapryce Doherty

Kapryce Doherty

Hello, my name is Kapryce Doherty.  My husband, Joe, and I have been married for 23 years and have been blessed with three wonderful children.  Brooke, 19, is a freshman at Baylor University (Sic 'Em!).  Cole, 16, is a sophomore at Round Rock High School, and Leah, 12, is a 7th-grader at Chisholm Trail Middle School.

One fun fact about me, or I guess I should say our family, is that we love to play games!  During the holidays, or just in gatherings with friends, we can get a little competitive playing ping-pong, pool, Guesstures, or any number of games.