DCLM Daily Manna, Monday March 21, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Our Eternal Fortress

Topic: Our Eternal Fortress [Monday March 21, 2016]

Text: Psalm 9:1-13

Key Verse: "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 9:9).

On 14 April, 1912, the ship called Titanic set out on its maiden trip from Southampton, England to New York City in the United States. Touted as the fortress of an ocean liner which was "unsinkable", it had 2, 227 happy-go-lucky passengers and crew.

Late in the evening of April 14, the "impregnable" vessel hit an iceberg; it rapidly took in massive water and sank in the early hours of April 15. Only 705 persons survived the ship's collision with the icy rock. The Titanic could not fulfill the responsibility of its appellation as a fortress, where the perishing could seek refuge or help. It failed its passengers most woefully when they needed deliverance most. On the contrary, the psalmist knew God, the Invincible Fortress, the Unfailing Refuge, where the oppressed and tormented can receive succour and safety. David got his victory in his battle with the Philistines by trusting in this God of all gods. He is the God that cannot be defeated or toppled by the storms of life.

He does not ignore the cry of those who genuinely seek Him in penitence and meekness through Jesus Christ. When you serve and rely on Him, He can wield His power to tame the raging tempests of life. David's experience is a proof that God is a faithful Witness. Indeed, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10). He is in the company of all those "who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope (Jesus) set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).

The tragic fate of the Titanic challenges the unbelieving to forsake their hold on worldly fortresses that come in the form of political and economic philosophies, religion and science without the totality of biblical guidance. Let them abandon these erroneous doctrines to avoid a fatal shipwreck in the whirlwind of life.

Thought for the day: May your adversities lead you to the eternal fortress of God.

Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 4-6

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.