I took this castle picture in 2016 when my husband and I were traipsing through the highlands of Scotland. He introduced me to all things Campbell and Scotland, and I've loved it ever since. Recently, I was thinking of the many castles or "strong towers" we saw there as a mental picture while reading Proverbs 18. Verse 10 tells us that the "name of the Lord is a strong tower" and that "the righteous run to it and are safe." The commentary in my Bible mentioned that cities usually had an inner fortress that could be seen from anywhere. They knew that if the outer walls were besieged, they could run to the inner tower for safety.
On our staff right now, many of us have heartaches and trials that are deep and feel unrelenting. One teacher has walked through her high school son's cancer treatments for a year. One lost her parents within months of each other. I am watching my own mom in her final stages of Alzheimers. The struggles and pain abound. We need a strong tower, and the Lord is the only One we have to rely upon for the strength we need. Many days lately I have felt the need to run to that Tower for safety.
As Christian school leaders, our job is not to pretend that we have finally arrived at a point in our lives where we are strong in our own strength, power, and experiences. Our job is to lean heavily on the Lord and to show our students that we need Him deeply. It's ok to say, "I'm afraid sometimes too. This is when we go to the Lord for help." For our students, it may be small problems (like a sick dog or the fear of an upcoming spelling test) or big problems (like mom and dad separating). We must continually point our kids to The Strong Tower, the Lord Jesus.
Sara, I always enjoy your posts. This one would make an excellent devotional for your students and/or adults. The picture is gorgeous and supports your thoughts beautifully. Please keep writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteThis reminds me of Psalm 73 when Asaph is struggling and then ends the Psalm with:
ReplyDelete[23] Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
[24] You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
[25] Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
[26] My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
[27] For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
[28] But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.”
Jenny, Psalm 73:28 is my life verse. I have never had anyone quote it to me! This blessed me! We all chose a life verse for our website profile, and this was mine!
DeleteYour writing is always beautiful. Love the strong tower analogy. Makes me think of the chapel song the kids sing about the strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great one. We have focused more this year on singing songs in chapel that are straight Scripture.
DeleteI think one of the most sobering parts of working with families on a regular basis is the occurrence of hard things. It's such a wonderful reminder that we need community, and your post beautifully illustrated how we always need Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was once told "ministry is messy." That really stayed with me. It is not always going to be easy.
DeleteThis is my life verse, and I quote it often in a week especially during hard times. Have you heard the new Maverick City song "God Problems"? It's one of my favorites right now especially the chorus that says "still a strong tower"!
ReplyDeleteAs a counselor, I feel it is so helpful to be genuine and at times transparent about our own situations. God sees us where we are and brings us through so we can help others in His name. Your authenticity with your staff and the children you serve makes a difference.
ReplyDelete