“The name of the LORD is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.” Proverbs 18:10 (NET)
My college friends and I had nowhere to spend the night. Traveling through Greece, we arrived after dark in a small town recommended in my trusty guidebook, Europe on $5 a Day. The problem? The town’s only inn had closed; there were no other rooms and the next train didn’t leave until morning.
Thankfully, one of us thought the local church might be open.
As we hurried toward the silhouette of a steeple, pebbles on the path crunched beneath our feet. The doors were locked, but an exterior stairway led to the bell tower. We huddled there through the chilly, late March night keeping each other awake to make sure we did not miss the first train out of town.
We took refuge in the bell tower because we needed safe shelter overnight. Only later did I understand the picture God had given me: when the night closes in, He is the strong, tall tower we can run to.
In biblical times, height meant security. A walled city or a fortified tower offered refuge. Reaching either meant protection from a wild beast or pursuing enemy.
But the righteous do not just find a refuge. Proverbs pictures God placing them there. They are “set safely on high”by God, lifted beyond what they could escape on their own. That’s what our Rescuer does.
Running to God for refuge starts when we deliberately turn toward Him instead of toward fear. Sometimes that looks like opening Scripture or praying before panicking. Sometimes it means asking another believer to help us hold onto what is true.
Why can we trust God in fearful situations? Because “the name of the LORD” is not just a phrase. In Scripture, someone’s name represents their character. God’s name speaks of His faithfulness, power, and covenant love. When you run to Him you are entrusting yourself to the God who never changes and never fails His people.
The God who sets His people safely on high may not remove every danger.
But nothing can place you beyond His protection or outside His faithful care.
Fear will always urge you to run somewhere. Run first to the One whose name is a strong tower. Let Him lift you above despair through His faithful care. Run to Him today.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to run to You, not just when we are frightened but at all times. Remind us that Your name, Your very character, is always our strong refuge. Thank You for Your constant care and faithfulness no matter our circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want more?
Read Psalm 91. Consider carefully verses 14–16 as the Lord speaks about the one who hold fast to Him in love. What threat or fear are you carrying today that you haven’t yet brought to God? What is one practical step you can take this week to run to the tower, to actively seek refuge in God’s name?
Scripture quotations marked NET are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. https://netbible.com All rights reserved.
