The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
- Psalm 27:1

King David knew war. As a young man he charged into conflict armed with his culture’s advanced artillery (precision sling + rock). In his middle age he led a guerilla campaign and a protection racket in the wilderness. He battled Philistines and rebels within his own community. King David knew war.

A warrior would have every excuse to fear his enemies. Those enemies would kill David if given a chance. Those enemies would ruin David’s family and destroy his life’s work. Some of his enemies marched openly to challenge him. Others whispered quietly to undermine him.

But David didn’t fear his enemies – or didn’t want to. He knew that the Lord would guide him like a light in the darkness, would rescue him when needed and would protect him to the end. David trusted in the Lord.

The image of a “stronghold” that David uses here at the start of Psalm 27 shows us a glimpse at his state of mind. A stronghold could be a city with fortified walls and a strong gate. A stronghold could be an impenetrable tower in the wilderness. A stronghold offered safety, shelter, security. A warrior could rest when inside a stronghold.

The Lord was the stronghold of David’s life.

What’s your stronghold? To whom do you run when your enemies charge in your direction or start a whisper-campaign behind your back? What happens to your trust in the Lord when your enemies come looking for you?