"I love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3
In recent times, I have grown to appreciate the titles and names of our Father. In bygone years, I simply knew and addressed Him as “God.” Among the many gods in the world, adding a capital “G” did little to distinguish Him for all other so-called gods. Had I paid closer attention to the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), I would have realized the tremendous privilege of calling Him, “our Father.” Our Father is the self-existing One; the great I AM, as He revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14). But the Psalmist elaborates on additional names and titles that add meaning and appreciation for us as we seek to know Him more.
We love Yahweh because He is our strength. Isaiah the prophet states, “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:29-31.
He is our Rock. In a world of shifting trends, fads, ideologies, and whims, Our Father is the steadfast Rock on which to anchor our lives. There is not so much as a shadow of turning (James 1:17) with Him.
He is our Fortress. When the forces of evil launch an offensive against us, we find safety within the walled fortress that is our God. He delivers us from evil, as we pray in the model prayer.
He is our Refuge. The United States is considered a safe refuge for many fleeing from war-ravaged lands; so much so that an ever-increasing border crisis results. But, there is no such crisis with our Father: whoever seeks safe refuge with Him finds it.
He is our Shield. Ephesians 6 lists specific pieces of armor that we must put on and take up if we would be victorious in spiritual warfare. Among them is the “shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” Ephesians 6:16. This shield is literally our Father, in whom we place our faith and trust.
He is the Horn of Our Salvation. A horn, or antler, is the strong, bony growth many animals such as rams, goats, elk, and deer have. These are literally weapons for offense and defense. A horn, then, represents strength. God is all-powerfully strong to uphold the salvation He offers.
God is our Stronghold. There was place called Stronghold Castle near the college I attended, and it looked every bit the medieval castle that the name suggests. Were it a place of residence in the Middle Ages, it would seem a safe place to dwell. Our Father is our stronghold, much as He is our fortress. In the truest sense, we find safety and protection.
Descriptive names and phrases help us to better know someone, and that’s why these names and titles attributed to our Father are helpful. By meditating on these and other titles and names, may our love and appreciation of our Creator Father grow.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” Hebrews 13:7.