Reflection #3 on "I Adore You" by Phil Joel  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 03/20/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 71:3, 91:2, 144:2

	From the album "Bring It On" (2002) Read the song lyrics...

You are my fortress in the storm:
I will cling to You.

Have you ever seen a fortress? I remember going to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland years ago. Talk about a fortress! Some of the walls were 12-feet thick, with entire rooms inside the walls! These strong, high walls looked foreboding and impenetrable.

I think of that castle every time I read, "God is my fortress." God is called a fortress at least seven times in the Bible. In the Book of Psalms alone, God is called "a fortress" five times (Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 71:3, 91:2, 144:2). For example, "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"
(Psalm 18:2 NASB).

"For Thou art my rock and my fortress; For Thy name's sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me" (Psalm 31:3 NASB).

Why do these psalms refer to God as "a fortress"? The word "fortress" here means "a strong place." That is, a fortress is the place where one's strength resides. It is in our God that we find all our strength.

Many people think they can be strong on their own; they believe they are independent and don't need help from anyone. But such people are deceived. The only source of life, strength, true wisdom and peace--is God. And the good news is that God has extended His strength to us through His grace.

Phil Joel sings a song about this. Like the psalmist of old, Joel calls God his "fortress"--not a fortress but his fortress. Joel acknowledges God as his source of hope and power, and calls Him his "sure thing."

What are you banking on in this life? On what do you depend? What is your fortress? Where is your strength?

Take a few minutes and think about these questions. Then think about the Psalms above, i.e., think about God as your fortress. Then join Phil Joel as he sings,

It's all about knowing
More of Your grace.
I know now
You are my sure thing,
And I adore You!

There are questions.
There's no doubt
I trust You.
And that matters now.
I, oh, I adore You

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 71:3, 91:2, 144:2