Psalm 147:13

Psalm 147:13

He strengthens the bars of your gates

There are often times when we feel insecure and worry for our safety or the safety of our family and loved ones. Unlike the psalmist, this fear is not caused by military forces but simply by circumstances or the troubles that life brings. For those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ there is another source of trouble of course. Our enemy is not human or necessarily visible, but his campaign of hatred and persecution against the people of God is unrelenting. The Jews in Jerusalem felt the oppression of surrounding enemies constantly. They understood what it meant to live through times of great national fear and trepidation. In fact, little has changed over the centuries.

For the followers of Christ, the battle is spiritual and our “Zions” are constantly under threat. The devil looks for entrances into our fortresses, gates that are unguarded where he may slyly enter or launch an attack. Most of us should have more than a fair idea where our weak points are and what kind of weapons may be launched against us. This verse is a comfort because it assures us that the Lord knows too! He steps up and helps us to secure our entry points; He strengthens the bars of our gates so that demonic powers are kept at bay. For months I have kept this verse, on a piece of paper, hidden in a pocket, ready to speak it out when trouble looms. Try it! It may be an individual battle, or it may be trouble in our family or even our church. There will always be weaknesses, and the Lord is always willing to step in and help us to secure the gates. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 

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