Psalm 9:9   
Warfare!
                There are many expressions, in the Scriptures, that describe the Lord as a place of safety and confidence when trouble strikes. He is our refuge, He is our rock, our sure foundation. He is a strong tower and our shield, the horn of our salvation.  All of these metaphors have profound implications, in Proverbs 18:10 we read, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”   His very existence and His presence and the power of His name will protect us from evil and all kinds of trouble. When David was delivered from Saul and all his enemies, he used these expressions in a song of praise. 2 Samuel 22:1-4. In Deuteronomy 33:27 the Lord tells Israel, through Moses. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying “Destroy them!”

 The Cities of Refuge in Israel are described in Numbers 35. There were 6 of them, owned by the Levites. They were places of safety and shelter for those who killed someone accidentally and who fled the anger of the avenger. The inference here is that the fugitive is innocent unless a Court deems him to be guilty; he does not have blood on his hands, the death of the victim was not premeditated or deliberate, it was an accident or mishap. The defendant was not responsible, he is guiltless and the avenger is unjustified in his revenge albeit driven by anger, grief and a need to appropriate blame. 

All of these images help us to understand the nature of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in and the need for us to have a place of refuge. God promises to be that place, the shelter of His name and His wings will protect us against our spiritual avengers. The Satan’s battle strategy and means of warfare are the same as those we see enacted every day throughout the world, between nations and individuals.  We should not be surprised because he is the cause of it all. King David had learned that his physical enemies used the same tactics as his spiritual ones and that the Lord God was always there to protect and guard him from danger. 

So, when you are oppressed, take refuge in Him. Think about who it is you call your God, is He not able to protect you? When you are in trouble and feel alone and unsafe, tell Him, call on Him, plead your case and trust Him; He is your stronghold! These are not fancy words or a theological concept ,this is what trusting in God is all about. It is real. It is practical. It is faith. 

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