September 16, 2010











Our Rock and Fortress





By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.





The prophet Isaiah wrote, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19, NKJV). At some point, all of us have felt the weight of the enemy surrounding us.



We experience panic or stress over work deadlines, bills to be paid, or relationship conflicts. We catch ourselves focusing on what people think or say. Then we begin to suffer discouragement and even depression.



No one wants to be scorned, ridiculed, or taken for granted. Even Jesus suffered the ridicule of others. The chief priests, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, "He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God'" (Matthew 27:43).



No matter what we face or how others ridicule us, God is our rock and our fortress. He is our deliverer. We can find refuge and security in Him. Although you may not feel God's presence or help, He is near. Psalm 91:15 states,"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."



Do you feel that God has forgotten you? The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Lord will not forget us, as God Himself has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"(Hebrews 13:5).



So no matter what others say or how discouraged you may feel, remember that the Lord has the answer for your anxiety and despair. All you have to do is cry out to Him. He longs for you to seek His power. Ask Him to be the source of your strength and deliverance.





Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:11).


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