Who is YOUR Fortress in Time of Distress? – ??⚓️??

[Bible Speaks]

Who is YOUR Fortress in Time of Distress? - A Fort Can Be a Place to Hide but Does Not Give YOU Safety! - Only Jehovah Can Keep YOU Safe! ~ ??????

(Psalm 61:3) For you have proved to be a refuge for me, A strong tower in the face of the enemy."

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Jehovah, Our ‘Fortress in Times of Distress’ 

In harmony with Jesus’ prayer, Jehovah is indeed watching over us. He is our “fortress in the time of distress.” (Psalm 37:39) The book of Proverbs uses similar language when it says: “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.” (Proverbs 18:10) 

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This scripture reveals a basic truth about JehovahÂ’s tender concern for his creatures. God offers protection especially to righteous ones who actively seek him, as if we were running into a strong tower for shelter.

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When faced with distressing problems, how can we run to Jehovah for protection? Let us consider three vital steps that we can take in order to receive Jehovah’s help. 

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First, we must turn to our heavenly Father in prayer. Second, we should work in harmony with his holy spirit. And third, we must submit to JehovahÂ’s arrangement by seeking association with fellow Christians who can allay our distress.

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The Power of Prayer

Some health experts recommend prayer as treatment for depression and stress. While it may be true that a quiet moment of prayerlike reflection may relieve stress, much the same could be said about certain sounds of nature or even a back rub. 

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True Christians do not trivialize prayer by viewing it as just a feel-good therapy. We view prayer as reverential communication with the Creator. Prayer involves our devotion to and confidence in God. Yes, prayer is part of our worship.

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Our prayers must be accompanied by a sense of confidence, or trust, in Jehovah. The apostle John wrote: “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) 

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Jehovah, the Supreme Being, the only true and almighty God, actually gives special attention to the earnest prayers of his worshipers. Just knowing that our loving God hears us when we share our anxieties and problems with him is comforting.

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(Philippians 4:6-7) . . .Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus."

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Faithful Christians should never feel shy, unworthy, or lacking in confidence when approaching Jehovah in prayer. True, when we are disappointed in ourselves or are overwhelmed with problems, we might not always be inclined to approach Jehovah in prayer. 

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On such occasions we do well to remember that Jehovah “shows pity upon his own afflicted ones” and that he “comforts those laid low.” It is especially in times of anguish and distress that we need to turn confidently to our heavenly Father as our fortress.

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(Isaiah 49:13) . . .Give a glad cry, YOU heavens, and be joyful, you earth. Let the mountains become cheerful with a glad outcry. For Jehovah has comforted his people, and he shows pity upon his own afflicted ones."

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(2 Corinthians 7:6-7) . . .Nevertheless God, who comforts those laid low, comforted us by the presence of Titus."

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To benefit fully from the privilege of prayer, we must have real faith. The Bible says that “he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

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Faith is more than just believing that God exists, that “he is.” True faith involves a strong belief in God’s ability and desire to reward our life course of obedience to him. “The eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication.” (1 Peter 3:12) A constant awareness of Jehovah’s loving concern for us gives special meaning to our prayers.

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Jehovah listens to our prayers when they are offered with a complete heart. The psalmist wrote: “I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, O Jehovah.” (Psalm 119:145) 

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Unlike the ritualistic prayers in many religions, our prayers are not perfunctory or halfhearted. When we pray to Jehovah with our “whole heart,” our words are charged with meaning and purpose. After such earnest prayers, we begin to experience the relief that comes from throwing our “burden upon Jehovah himself.” As the Bible promises, “he himself will sustain” us.

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(Psalm 55:22) . . .Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, And he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter."

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(1 Peter 5:6-7) . . .Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt YOU in due time; 7 while YOU throw all YOUR anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU."

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(Psalm 25:20) 20 Do guard my soul and deliver me. May I not be ashamed, for I have taken refuge in you.

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(1 Samuel 17:45) In turn David said to the Phi·lis?tine: “You are coming to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have taunted."

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(Psalm 18:2) Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the Provider of escape for me. My God is my rock. I shall take refuge in him, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure height."

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(Proverbs 18:10) The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection."

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(Psalm 33:21) For in him our heart rejoices; For in his holy name we have put our trust."

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Oh how good your laws are Jehovah! Do they not warm your heart?