He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6
What is a stronghold? A stronghold is a fortress. A place where entire cities or armies in ancient times could go to defend themselves from an attack. They could be castles or carved into mountains for example. If you look up "examples of fortresses in battle," you can see both ancient and modern day types of fortresses.
The bible talks about fortresses, or strongholds, often. David says multiple times that God is his stronghold. 2 Corinthians 10 speaks about them in our minds- "We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT." Strongholds are a place of safety, defense, and familiarity.
Where is your stronghold? When life goes crazy and you're afraid, where do you go? Pastor Ray preached a sermon a long time ago about this topic. He said if you turn to anything before God in times of trouble, you have the wrong stronghold in place. This can be idolatry if we are elevating anything above God. I say we because I definitely have a few unhealthy places I run to in times of danger or stress. Examples can be TV, social media, alcohol, drugs, food, and even people. I'm not saying you can't ask for help from others. God wouldn't have made us social creatures if that were the case. However, it is wise to make sure that your go-to people will listen, pray, and point you to God. It's not that we are terrible, horrible people if we don't think of God first. It takes practice and a renewing of the mind to make it automatic. He is the only faithful and sure part of our life. To put our confidence 100% in anything else is foolish. Everything and everyone will fail us. (Ask me about my attempt to make gluten free cinnamon rolls. Food definently isnt a reliable stronghold.🤦♀️) I digress.. Unlike eating tasty food, or zoning out in front of a movie, God gives us the comfort and wisdom we need to confront the issue and gain victory.
How do we practically "run to God our stronghold?" By remembering who He is. This is why reading your bible is so important! Find those verses that speak about who God is. Read them and speak them outloud if you have to. God is the Almighty, Comforter, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conqueror of this world, Healer, Protector, Deliverer, Savior.. I could go on and on. The next time you feel overwhelmed and tempted to run into a fortress that's not God; take a breath and ask God for help. Tell Him what's going on, listen to hear His reply, and remind yourself of who He is compared to your circumstance.