Are You a Jacob? God is Your Fortress.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.    Selah
Psalm 46:7,11

God is with us...whatever else is going on around us, God, the Lord Almighty is with us. Every now and then when we are out doing something my son will just sort of come up next to me for a moment and then go off and do his thing. It's like he just has to see if I am there, and then he's good to go. 

We're the same way, aren't we? Throughout the day we just need to take a moment to remember that the Lord Almighty is with us. 

I am encouraged that the psalmist says, "the God of Jacob". The God of Jacob, to me, signifies that God works with those of us who seem to find trouble all by ourselves. Jacob's name means "he grasps the heel" or figuratively, "to deceive". A pastor of mine once paraphrased the meaning as "lying, sneaking, thief". Jacob seemed to struggle through everything. But, God was with him. God used him and God fulfilled his promises to Jacob and through him. 

Maybe you are like me and you identify with Jacob. Jacob's God is our God too. He is our fortress. That is good to know.

Thank you, Lord Almighty! 

HAS GOD BEEN YOUR FORTRESS? / PSALM 48:1-3

"Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, 
     in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
 It is beautiful in it loftiness,
     the joy of the whole earth.
 Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
     the city of the Great King.
 God is in her citadels;
     he has shown himself to be her fortress."
 Psalm 48:1-3

Many times I have found myself to be in the middle of a battle, and God was my only place of refuge. He has always shown himself to be my fortress. I may have taken a few incoming blasts from the enemy, but, in the end, God has always been my fortress. 

I was managing (usually the night shift) a Mimi's Cafe and I caught the day manager, several times, taking money from my drawer and putting it in his. This made my drawers come out off and his were right on. I told the general manager and he just blew me off! Finally, after several months, another manager got the GM to listen and they fired the manager who was taking money from my drawer. It took awhile, but in the end I was vindicated. 

As Christians, we will be in constant battle until Christ comes again to reign triumphant. So, trust and obey. Keep up the good fight and remember the many times he has recused you. 

How has God been your fortress?

Father, open our eyes to see you in our lives. Help us to remain in you! Praise be to you in us today!

EVEN YOUR FORTRESS: Psalm 46:7

"The LORD Almighty is with us;
     the God of Jacob is our fortress."
 Psalm 46:7

Two things to remember today. The LORD Almighty is with you and the God of Jacob is your fortress. 

I see it all the time coaching my son's teams. I kid will be looking into the stands, popping their head out to see if their mom or dad is there yet. Once they know they're there, the kid settles down. Sometimes that's us! We look around trying to see God in whatever situation we are in. The truth is: God is with us. He will never leave you or forsake you. God, the LORD Almighty is with you.

Not only is God with you, he is your fortress! When the Psalmist says "the God of Jacob" he is saying that God is the God of those of us who are not exactly perfect. Remember, Jacob was the one who stole his brother's birthright and the blessing of the first born. His name means "he grasps the heel"  which figuratively means "he deceives"! Lying sneaky thief might be one way to say it. Think about it. You, like me, may know that you are not exactly perfect. Yet, God is your fortress. God is with you and he is going to keep you safe.

Father, help us to abide in you. To live in your presence and under your protection. Praise be to you in us today!