The Castle on the Corner

I grew up in the country and rode on quaint roads, winding between hills that connected farms and were canopied with trees. 

The exactly one mile car ride from my childhood home to my grandparents' farm relieved our family of six from ascending, on foot, the steap slope of the neighboring farm. Diablo, the neighbor's black Stallion, loved to race along side our silver three rowed stationwagon. The contest exerted Diablo's muscles overlaid with raven black shinny fur as he raced up the hill, along side our car, and inside his fence. The sight transported me into the novel, Black Beauty. 

Last week, I took a backway not usually traveled when I noticed the curvature in the pavement and a thin treeline to my left. The scene did not rival the terrain of my youth, but it did bring the beloved countryside to remembrance.  

Diablo was galloping, in my mind, when the treeline gave way and revealed the new construction of a castle on the corner!

Trust my use of the word. Size was not the only feature but also the structure and design. The mammoth was oddly placed on the ordinary lot. I was not protective of the bucolic setting or jealous of the owner, but I was mysteriously bothered. The irritation seemed silly but persisted. Finally, I looked up the definition of the word castle: a large building, typically of the medieval period, fortified against attack with thick walls, battlements, towers, and in many cases a moat.

Then I perceived my annoyance came because this beautiful castle was being constructed on a quotidian corner without the privilege of the highground or any reinforcements or protection.  A castle, by definition, needs to be protected.  

Ah, the Lord was speaking. He directed me to Psalm 18.

The Psalm is a longer chapter as it has 50 verses. Intense imagery accompanied David's praise to the Lord for the rescue from his enemies. 

The Amplified version starts with, "I love You [fervently and devotedly], O Lord my strength." (AMP)

Fervently and devotedly sound like words a Shakespearen prince would use to woe a princess from her palace balcony. 

When you read the Psalm, you will be brought face to face with the severity of the Lord in His defense of His children and the reality of His power. 

In the writing God devours fire, flies, hides in darkness, thunders, scatters men, and much more. 

Verse 16 reads, "He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters." (AMP)

Many waters? I don't know that there is anything quite as scary as being alone in the ocean.  However, the next verse describes a strong enemy who hated David and was too strong for him.

Verse 35 reads, "You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds and sustains me; Your gentleness [Your gracious response when I pray] makes me great." (AMP)

Maybe we don't trust God because we do not give Him enough opportunity to graciously respond because we do not pray as we should. 

God shows Himself blameless, pure, and kind to those who are blameless, pure and kind. But, "with the crooked You show Yourself astute." (AMP)

The elements, saddness, or adversary God safeguards from all!

Do you trust God to defend and protect you? Have you become unnecessarily defensive, or are you ever too trusting? How can you begin to engage with the Lord as your source of strength?