July 13, 2018 Friday

“9  Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. 10  So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.” (2Samuel 5:9-10 NKJV)

            Where is your stronghold? David discovered his stronghold, a place where he felt safe and could develop his strengths. This stronghold became such a part of David that it became known as the city of David.

            Each of us needs a stronghold in their life where they can find peace and hope and they can take time to work through things in their own lives as they grow in their relationship with God. God tells us to be still and to know he is God! We all need a place where we feel at peace enough so we can be still.

            Ironically this place may not be peaceful in itself! The small nation of Israel was surrounded by enemies much as it is today. At times for us when we are in the midst of trouble, suffering and loss we are most likely to be still and able to hear God’s voice.

            If we wait to hear God’s voice at our stronghold we then can prepare and train ourselves to be ready either to defend ourselves or to go for us and recover territory for God.

            From his stronghold reaches out and extends the territory he claims for God. It is not that David’s stronghold is made larger but because David has a stronghold he can reach farther out led by the Holy Spirit and empowered by God!

            But then David does a very interesting thing. After extending the territory he resides in David strengthens the territory already held! So David moves forward extending his territory but then David strengthens and consolidates this new territory.

            It is very important to understand that no matter how large or strong this territory is every defense and offense must still come from his stronghold the city of David. If David seeks to use the territory as a stronghold he will fail! The only way David can even hold his territory is by using his stronghold as a place to grow and strengthen his relationship with God!

            Where is the place where you feel safe and still enough to know God? Is your stronghold the place where God can guide your dreams, visions and plans? Have you lost your stronghold either within your new territory or by not strengthening and consolidating the new territories?