A Fortress for the Downcast

Let the Lord be a fortress for the downcast, a fortress in times of distress.
Psalm 9 (trans. Robert Alter)

A fortress is only as good as its foundation. For all the money and effort and blood poured into building a fortress–resplendent with gilded trim work and imported marble and the most exquisite ironwork–if the foundation is not sound, resolute, established, then the fortress is worthless. It has cost an exorbitant amount of money certainly. But it is worthless. More than that, it is a guise, a deception, a lie. For the assumption is that if so much time and effort were spent on the appearance, certainly time was spent on securing the foundation if, for nothing else, to preserve the investment.

But the purpose of a fortress is protection: to safeguard those fleeing for safety from unsafe circumstances; to provide a place for the displaced; to provide life for those from whom evil and wickedness has sought to destroy life. The fortresses of this world–ancient castles visited by tourists, our homes and apartments we inhabit every day, makeshift "forts" of blankets and chairs–are intended to declare the glory of God: he is a fortress for the downcast, a fortress in times of distress. As there is none other more sure, more stable, more loving, and more life-giving, he is the foundation of that fortress which is Himself.

When those words–downcast, distressed–describe your situation in life, let the Lord be your fortress. Let him be your fortress through prayer; meditation on the Psalms; gathering with the Church in worship even if your worship is your tears; sharing your heart with others who may help carry your burden if only in that you know you are not alone and that you are known. When those words–downcast, distressed–do not describe your immediate situation in life, let the Lord be your fortress. For then (and only there) do you find the freedom to thrive which is the language of life. And it is the Lord's desire that you have life and have it abundantly.

Grace & Peace