Proverbs 14:26 “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.”
Immediately when reading this verse a vivid image comes to mind. In the north of Haiti is the “Citadel” a fortress built by Haitians to protect themselves from the attacks of the French. Inside the Citadel, one can see to the far reaches of the horizons all around. I am certain, during that time in history, there were watchmen on the wall, prepared to fight any approaching enemy.
The Lord is our Fortress. He is my protector from the enemy. He has given us the weapons to fight against the evil one. He has called us to “stand in the gap” for each other, to strengthen our arms in the battle. One soldier can hardly win a battle, but an army can stand against the enemy, and win!! He has given us the Victory!!
According to Proverbs 1:9, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Knowledge helps us to live in discretion, understanding and wisdom. Fear of the Lord is to recognize His Holiness, to honor Him, to Trust Him wholly. The fear of the Lord is our Fortress.
The second part of the verse, says that our fear of the Lord will be our refuge. I would like to carry this a bit further, with some questions. Do our children know we fear the Lord? Do we spend as much time teaching them to fear the Lord as we do to have them excel in academic studies? If you as a parent, would die today, what legacy would you have left for your children? Does your life exemplify having a secure fortress in God? Or will they remember your success by worldly standards?
When our children were small, they always ran to us when there was trouble. They trusted us to protect them. They wanted us to hold them, put our arms around them. God wants us to run to Him. He wants to enfold His arms around us. Have we led our children to trust the True Fortress of their lives? Do they know who to turn to when they are grown up? How much have you, as parents, taught your children to fear God?
The safety of a citadel is for a fleeting moment; the fortress of the Lord is eternal.
