Running to the right place/person

1. Protection

a) “The name/LORD/strong tower”- in those days a strong tower was the largest structure in the town. People fled to it for protection when under attack (Psalm 61:3).

b) There are other sources people turn to for protection: wealth (v11, “in his own imagination”), proud self-sufficiency (v12), or humankind (Jer. 17:5).

c) The best protection is “the name of the Lord.” This signifies God Himself: what He has revealed Himself to be like. Our protection comes from knowing more and more of the nature, character & attributes of God (Amos 5:8, Psalm 9:7-10).

d) Maybe you feel powerless as a single woman, wife, mother or grandmother. Maybe your struggle with temptation feels like defeat before a superior enemy. Go back to what you know of God, and study the Bible to find out more about Him to protect your mind, heart & emotions.

2. Confidence

a) “The righteous runs into it” A person becomes righteous by faith in the Lord (Hab. 2:4, Is. 45:24). Then she/he commits to an upright life that reflects God’s character & moral standards.

b) “runs”- People run to a strong tower because they are under attack & vulnerable, but it also shows confidence in what that tower will provide. Many are running to substances, pleasure, various experiences & relationships, but still left vulnerable. Even those closest to you, will let you down.

c) Parenting & working on other relationships can be exhausting. Running to escape from commitments & responsibility is tempting. The Lord is the only One we can run to with eagerness & know with certainty He will let us hide and refresh in Him. Run to Him when you begin your day, when you feel the pressure & when He has taken you through another day. Teach your kids/grandkids the wisdom of running to God.

3. Security

a) “and is safe”- means to be inaccessibly high, or safely set on high (Psalm 20:1, 91:14). There is a sense of security that you know overcomes your sense of vulnerability (John 10:27-29).

b) You might feel insecure because you are unappreciated, or you wonder how family commitments have limited your career, or you been betrayed/attacked by a loved one. The only source of security is a relationship with the Lord as your Heavenly Father where He keeps you safe on high even when others let you down.