Storms come to drive us to the only true protective shelter – God.

This pictures a torn down fortress built by Solomon at Arad in the Negev, most often called his southern fortress.

Problem, this fortress didn’t last any longer than the protective fortress David built around Jerusalem. Why? Solomon, through his numerous wives, introduced idol worship into both cities.

Solomon built a miniature temple replica in Arad, complete with a sacrifice altar. The people could worship God here in Arad, even though God instructed the Israelites to only sacrifice in Jerusalem. Whatever was easiest and felt good could be worshipped.

There is only one way to worship the Father if you want sustained victory; and that, is His way. Jesus reiterated this when He said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one gets to the Father except through Me.”

Scripture talks about God being our fortress, our protection against life’s storms (Ps. 18:2). Yet, Paul talks about fortresses we build in our minds (2 Cor. 10:4-5). The rationalizations, justifications and arguments we use to justify what we want to do when we want to do it. In other words, whatever is easiest and pleasurable to us. Sound familiar?

These strongholds, just like the one pictured, will not last any more than David and Solomon’s fortress walls. Only worshiping God through obedience creates a stronghold that can last against any siege or siege engine for God is the only one who can truly protect us.

It’s time to deal with your man-made ineffective fortresses. Today, let the Spirit show you the lies you are relying upon in order to refortify yourself for the coming storms.