Run to Your Tower | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” - Proverbs 18:10

A series of cracks traveled down my spine when searing pain stabbed the crown of my head. I had just climbed what seemed like a thousand steps. The steep staircase, more like a firetruck ladder, led me through a tiny doorway at the top of a fortress on the coast of west Africa. I underestimated how small the doorway was when my foot planted on the top step then realized that the searing pain in my head came from a collision with the centuries-old stonework.

Thankfully I didn’t pass out and, when the pain subsided, I was able to take in the breathtaking view from the height of the old tower.

This is the image that comes to mind when I read the comforting words of Proverbs 18:10. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man (woman) runs into it and is safe.” The name of the Lord is a strong tower; it’s like an elevated place of safety that no danger can reach.

Not only is it a tower, his name is a strong tower. This word in the original language can refer to personal, social and political strength— a strength that he offers to us in our own personal, social and political vulnerabilities. As women who trust Jesus, we believe that he is our tall fortress, a place of strength and stability for us when our day goes haywire, our emotions go rogue, or our world seems to be falling apart (pandemic!). We are strong because we’ve learned where to run when we feel weak.

Is there an area of your life where you feel threatened or fragile?

Maybe you’re caring for small children at home, struggling with health issues, fighting for mental/emotional stability, balancing a tough schedule, or dealing with a difficult relationship. Internal and external forces can leave us feeling incapable or unsteady.

So what do we do when we experience this? We remember the truth in this passage, that the woman who runs to the Lord is safe from harm. Like a chick who darts toward protection under her mother’s wings, we hurry to find our strength in God. The righteous person, the woman who trusts Jesus, runs to the name of Jesus “and is safe.” The word safe in this verse means to be inaccessibly high, out of harm’s reach. Don’t you love that image? There’s great confidence that comes with this kind of height. The name of Jesus is a strong tower, Ladies, and in the power of his name, we are strong.

For Your Journal

find it:

In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” -Proverbs 18:10

fix it:

In this portion of your journal, pull out 2-3 key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:

Strong Tower

God is strong enough to protect me

I will run to God

feel it:

In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.

Jesus, thank you for being a place of safety for me. Teach me to run quickly to you in my weakest moments. Strengthen me today when I grow weary, doubtful, impatient or anxious. Help me to remember this truth exactly when I need it, and to trust that you keep me protected, out of harm’s reach. You are strong, and in you, I am strong! Show me who I can encourage with this truth today. In Jesus’ name, amen.