“For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall, like heat in a dry place.” Isaiah 25:4-5a (ESV)
This verse gives us four ways that God promised to provide
for the needy in Isaiah's day. The prophet Isaiah knew the wonder of God and
what He did for His own who were in need. Number one, God is a stronghold
(defense) to the poor or those without the means to have a defense. Number two God is also a stronghold (defense)
to those oppressed and in need of help. A stronghold was a place or means of
safety and protection. A third is the shelter He provides when the storms of
life come upon us. And when the heat is on God provides shade as the fourth way.
He is our refuge and we can look to Him when we are threatened and wonder how
things will work sort out for us. We trust Him for shelter when life is stormy.
Sometimes we face people who have us up against a wall – we can trust and know
God is with us to help us. So, let's
allow the words of our verse to remind us today how full sufficient our God is
to be there and meet our every need.
191
