The mountain rises

Stark and foreboding against the backdrop of an ominous sky.

The top shielded from view by menacing clouds

The wall of rock glares down angrily at any passerby who thinks to arrogantly approach its cliffs

The cold, flat, unscalable stone causes the most formidable warrior to quale at its size and power.

The sheer immensity making known just how small man is.

Standing open in midst of the side,

One single path winds its way up the mountain. 

An invitation and a warning

Come weary traveler

But come not alone

Come in the might of the king dwelling at the top

The path is treacherous

Weaving back and forth; sharp, jagged, steep, menacing.

Cliffs rising on either side

Casting the path into dark shadow.

Narrow is the way;

Room only for one to pass on their perilous assent to the top

An assault by an army, made impossible

The top…

Oh the top!

If one has the fortitude and courage to ascend,

The top is the prize!

Not visible to the naked eye

Not from here

The top exists

Standing tall and sure

Above the gloom

Rising into the sun and majesty of blue sky

The fortress beckons

Carved out of solid stone

Surrounded by high, thick wall

Protected by watch tower and vigilant soldier

Entered only by one main gate

Impenetrable stone and steel

A combination of power and strength

Entrance granted only to those whom the King grants

Entered only by the steep path

Traveled by a weary and desperate pilgrim

A path that resists an army mighty

This fortress is like no other.

Inside, the light of the sun….

Having scaled high above the clouds

The light, so near; no more mountain to block it

The warmth of the sun glows and radiates,

Permeating the common areas

Infusing the homes

Casting the city within with a shine and brilliance

Deeply contrasted by the dim, dark path traveled to arrive here

The sky so clear and blue

Not a cloud in sight, the sky is lit with light

Birds singing and calling as they glide effortlessly about

There is joy here.

Peace

Rest

Safety

Security.

But then, He comes.

The King,

Gliding among the people

Joy and happiness emanating from him

Striking with a force even before his physical presence arrives

He is felt before seen

He is experienced before embraced

His presence is power

Power too great to be contained in a single form

As he approaches

It becomes clear

The source of light…

Not the sun

THE KING!

Blinding, beautiful, brilliant LIGHT!

So pure, so clear, so delightful!

It terrifies with its purity

It lightens the heart with its gaiety!

It cleanses!

It infects!

It is….

Words cannot suffice!

The affect is unparalleled!

Contentment infuses every soul he passes

He approaches and everything stills

All the other beauty fades

Its color leached away by His own

He, He is the true beauty

The true worth of this place.

The fortress, this refuge on a hill…

The mountain…

They are not….

No, they are not the true source of safety and protection.

No…

It’s the King

He is the source

He IS the fortress

The Stronghold

He is beautiful and terrible!

And in His presence, fear flees.

How can it do otherwise?

What is there left to fear

When this almighty King is near.

It is here that I take refuge

It is here that fear dies

It is here that He invites me to dwell

He is the stronghold of my life.

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Abba,

I am gripped by the imagery of the “stronghold.”  I want to picture it in my head. I have this image of what it might look like and I want my heart to be filled with it.  I never want to forget why my heart has no reason for fear.  I never want to forget why my heart can rest secure in a world of trouble.  I want to remember that You are my stronghold and my security!

I cannot wait till I walk in your presence, having journeyed to the top through the perilous paths of life, sustained and strengthened by your might all the way there, to enter into your final and eternal home forevermore to bask in the glow of your glory and offer you ceaseless praise for the rest of eternity!

Thank you for being my fortress, no only then, but even now.  You are my stronghold against the dangers of this life; against the dark days we face.  I am secure in you.  I rest in you.

Thank you Abba.

I love you.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and salvation

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life

Of whom shall I be afraid?