MY FORTRESS CITY

Constantinople Fortress is a legendary triple-layered defense system, built in Constantinople in the 5th century AD by the Byzantine Empire. This fortress was famously impenetrable for over 1,000 years, with a length of up to 5.5 km and 244 towers. However, eventually this fortress was successfully destroyed.

Sometimes, in the midst of a demanding world that requires us to always appear tough, our inner selves are actually fragile because we rely on things that can disappear in an instant - such as savings, the approval of others, or sudden shattered future plans. We are tired because we try to build a fortress for ourselves, when in fact we are only humans who need a place of shelter.

In Isaiah 26, God does not offer a cold stone wall, but Himself as the Everlasting Protection. In verse 3, Isaiah uses the gentle repetition of "perfect peace" (Shalom-Shalom) not without meaning. This indicates layers of peaceful embrace for the shattered soul. This is a peace that leaves no room for fear. Likewise, Isaiah calls the name of the LORD using two repeated words, the LORD GOD (Yah YAHWEH). Isaiah helps us recognize the Person whose faithfulness is multiplied, the Person who will never let us go even when we feel we have lost everything.

Stop building and relying on fragile fortresses and come to Christ, the Rock who allowed Himself to be broken on the cross so that we may have complete protection. Today, when our minds start to wander due to anxiety, let us reattach our hearts to His love. Allow that perfect peace to flow, because as long as we stand on this Rock, nothing can bring Him down. --DSK/www.renunganharian.net