MARCH 24
Psalm 59:17, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
David faced many challenges. Though he had done nothing wrong, his enemies lay in wait, seeking an opportunity to kill him. He compared them to hungry dogs, howling and prowling through the city. Surrounded by hostility and threats, David looked to God for protection, declaring three times in this Psalm that God was his fortress. In ancient warfare, a fortress was a stronghold of safety, shielding its occupants from attacking forces. David saw God as his ultimate refuge.
Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther echoed this same trust in God. Like David, Luther found himself under attack. His teaching—that a person is justified by faith—faced fierce opposition. He was falsely accused, forced to defend himself, and even driven into hiding. Many of his friends suffered persecution and even death. Amid this turmoil, he wrote the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The hymn’s opening line reminds us that God is our refuge. It also identifies the source of our struggles: “our ancient foe,” whose craft and power are great. Yet, ultimate victory lies in Christ Jesus—“He must win the battle.”
Today, Martin Luther’s tomb in Wittenberg’s Castle Church bears the inscription “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” His life and legacy point to an important question: Are we trusting in Jesus as our fortress? He alone can guard our hearts and give us peace, no matter our circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).
Jesus is a mighty fortress to all who put their trust in Him.
Application Questions: Give thought to what it means to have God for a fortress. To what safe place do you flee when you face troubles? Read Ephesians 6:10-18.
LookingtoJesus 