Strongly Shielded, Confidently Protected
The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. It is also known as the “backbone of Luzon”. It covers the northeast coast of Luzon Island and encloses the greatest number of protected areas in the country.
Although the Sierra Madre does not stop the typhoons’ track, it serves as a natural barrier and strong wall against the storm gushes coming from the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, several super typhoons that encountered Sierra Madre weakened, their winds slowed and categories brought down.
In the same way as the mountains shield the vast part of the area where the storms hit, Psalm 125: 1-2 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.”
What an awesome picture of God as our Stronghold, safeguarding us from the works of the enemy, even from the strong winds of testings of every kind. As Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Adversaries and difficulties will often come our way, but the assurance of God’s help and defense keeps us confident that no matter how strong those winds are, we are not to be shaken but remain steadfast in faith and trusting Him in every circumstance. And we know that as we go through life everyday, we can bravely face whatever comes our way. Not to show off our own strength, for if there is anything to boast about, it is what God is able to do for us.
Meditating on the moments when God protected us and the many times He rescued us, we can be fearless when again faced with the surges of trials, because we have the confidence that God is able to preserve our lives. The very thought of God as our Shelter where we are safe brings an indescribable feeling to the soul that brings out gratitude in the form of praise…new songs from the heart.
It is amazing how much of God’s protection is written as praise songs in Psalms. What a powerful way to live the truth of God’s care for us. Praising God in tough and rough times is both praying and declaring that the One who promised protection is faithful. This is how Psalm 91:4 describes it:
“He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
There are so many reasons to thank our Savior, and being strongly shielded and confidently protected by Him are ones that definitely put praise in our hearts. And from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks glory and honor and blessing to God our Strong Fortress!
Cynthia Angeles- Alcantara
