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THE VERSE

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous man runs into it and is safe.

One of our most basic and core needs as humans other than food and water is safety. In life we are all surrounded by things (real or perceived) that threaten this desired safety, and in turn each of us looks for shelter and places where we can feel safe again. To a world longing for true safety and security, Proverbs 18:10 raises its voice: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower…” When the authors of the Bible speak of the “the name of the Lord” they are pointing at more than poetry. They are trying to draw our attention to specific aspects of God’s character and attributes… In this case, the writer is telling us that God, at His essence, is a strong tower. What’s a strong tower? Far from a weak or flimsy tent or covering, it’s a fail-proof refuge; it withstands the onslaught of threats.

What’s a strong tower? Far from a weak or flimsy tent or covering, it’s a fail-proof refuge; it withstands the onslaught of threats.

While the first half of this verse offers us a description of God, the second half of the verse extends an invitation. Just because God’s name is a strong tower doesn’t mean all run into it. If we’re honest, there are many other places we run to in times of trouble instead. Our restless hearts are always in motion—away from what we fear, and towards whatever we believe can rescue us. When we are afraid, we all seek refuge, whether in God or God-substitutes. The verse in Proverbs that immediately follows insightfully reveals, “A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination” (Prov 18:11). Ultimately, this proverb is highlighting that riches are a fantasy strong tower. It offers the illusion of strength but can’t deliver in actuality. It might not be riches that we run to… There are a million other offerings and lesser towers we think will offer us safety, strength, or satisfaction but none can ultimately provide what God can.

To our anxious and wandering hearts the Lord speaks a word of both invitation and comfort.

To our anxious and wandering hearts the Lord speaks a word of both invitation and comfort: “Come to me, all you who are anxious and troubled about many things, and I will protect you (Mk 10:41).” The Lord presents himself as a strong, towering refuge. His care is not theoretical. He protects us in concrete ways that slowly start to rearrange what we live for and what we love. As we learn to run to God for refuge, we experience safety. And in the seeking we gain new kinds of appetites and grow in new kinds of trust.

We are told that it is the righteous man or woman that runs to God and finds safety. How does one become righteous? More than merely being people who do good things, the Bible ultimately teaches us that true righteousness is given to those who look to and lean on God instead of ourselves. This is a righteousness that proclaims “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chron 20:12). This is a righteousness that can say with John Newton, former slave trader turned pastor who penned the hymn Amazing Grace, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior.” Like Newton, may we all run to Christ, our strong tower, for refuge and help in our times of trouble.