God Is Our Fortress – Fear Not!

26 listopada, 2025 HORIZONTI VJERE

God Is Our Fortress – Fear Not!

God is our fortress. This is the promise of the Word of God in which we may fully trust.

“In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.”
(Isaiah 26:1–6, KJV)

God Is Our Fortress

God’s fortress as the foundation of spiritual security – inspired by Psalm 46 and Isaiah 26. Discover how God protects us like a stronghold and gives us peace amid every storm of life.
Keywords: God’s fortress, Psalm 46, Martin Luther, Isaiah 26, spiritual security, Christ the Rock, Osijek Fortress.

The great Reformer Martin Luther, inspired by Psalm 46, composed the famous Reformation hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” In his heart, he may also have carried the words of the prophet Isaiah from chapter 26, verse 2: “We have a strong city.”

Our church in Osijek is located in the old part of the city known as Tvrđa (“the Fortress”). Massive walls can still be seen there—walls that once protected the citizens from enemies and gave them a sense of safety. There are also the so-called Water Gates, which were closed in times of danger as an additional layer of defense. The foundations of these walls and houses were built solidly, and they have endured for centuries. Our church building is somewhat younger—almost 300 years old—but still stands firm because it was built on a secure foundation.

In the Middle Ages, many towns were built in a similar way: strong fortresses, citadels, and walls provided security for their inhabitants. Yet our greatest and most reliable fortress is not built by human hands—it is God Himself.

The prophet Isaiah writes, “Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.” (Isaiah 26:1) The Bible affirms in many places that God is our strength, our tower, and our defense against the enemy. Our true enemy is not of flesh and blood—he seeks to destroy, to tear down, and to devastate our spiritual being. But in the Gospel according to Matthew (7:24–27), Jesus calls us to build our house upon the rock. Such a house can withstand storms and trials because its foundation is firm—that foundation is Christ Himself.

Isaiah confirms: “For in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:4) In contrast, the one who builds upon sand—without solid faith and foundation in Christ—will fall under the pressures of life, like a house without a foundation.

The gates of that strong city, that impregnable Fortress which is God Himself, are not closed. On the contrary, they are open to all who come by faith: “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” (Isaiah 26:2) By ourselves we are not righteous, but we are justified through Christ, who is our righteousness. He is also the Door through which we come to the Father (cf. John 10:9). Once we are within that divine protection, He raises strong walls around us to keep us for Himself.

It is a beautiful thing to dwell in God’s presence and protection. With the psalmist we can exclaim:

“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
(Psalm 46:2, 11, KJV)

A Short Prayer

Lord, You are our Rock and our Fortress.
In You we find peace, safety, and shelter from every trouble.
Help us always to build our lives upon You—the sure foundation of salvation.
Strengthen us in faith, protect us by Your grace, and lead us in the path of righteousness.
Through Christ, our righteousness, we pray. Amen.