Embrace the Beauty and Power of Having a Sanctuary
What’s a stronghold? Do you have one? Does it really matter?
A stronghold is a physical refuge. It’s a well-fortified dwelling, a fortress. In short, it’s a safe place. We all need a safe place, one that protects us from the assaults of life and the evil in the world. Think of it as a sanctuary.
Though it may be at times appealing, however, we shouldn’t cling to our stronghold and never leave. In truth, there are times to withdraw to our strongholds, times to abide in them, and times to go forth.
Yes, we must exit our stronghold and engage with the real world in person, no matter how terrifying or hostile it might seem.
Strongholds show up in the Bible. Consider what Scripture says about them.
Seek the Stronghold
David had a stronghold (1 Samuel 22:4). In fact, he had many (1 Samuel 23:14). He went there often (1 Samuel 24:22).
David sometimes retreated to his stronghold when threatened or under attack (2 Samuel 5:17). Though we may need to fight when we’re confronted, other times the wise action is to flee the situation and prepare ourselves to fight another day.
In these instances, his stronghold was a safe place from his enemies and physical assault.
Relish the Stronghold
Yet David also went to his stronghold for rest, to experience a respite (1 Samuel 23:28-29). We can’t always be active and engaged. Sometimes we need to recharge. It takes wisdom to know the difference and determination to pick the right path.
In these cases, his stronghold was a safe place from the trials and temptations of daily life. We all need a break at times, but do we take it?
David chose well. May we do the same.
Leave the Stronghold
Yet after David’s time in his stronghold, he would then leave (1 Samuel 22:5). This is key.
Our stronghold isn’t a place to live; it’s a place to visit. Our time there may be brief, it may be extended, or it’s more likely somewhere in between.
Just as it takes wisdom and determination to know when to enter our strongholds, it also requires wisdom and determination to know when to re-emerge from them.
Or God may prompt us, either through the Holy Spirit or through someone else—like a prophet or friend.
As we leave the safe place of our strongholds, we carry with us the results of our time there. We emerge from our sanctuaries rested and ready for whatever we face.
But we do not go alone. God goes with us (Deuteronomy 31:6-8). And we wear—or at least we should—God’s armor to protect us (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Conquer the Stronghold
When we leave our strongholds, we are ready and equipped for battle. Though this may be physical, it’s more likely spiritual. Paul says so (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Usually, it’s a spiritual battle that we wage.
Depending on how we read this passage and the translation used, we can glean two understandings. Both are insightful. One is that we will fight against the stronghold of evil. The other is that evil will come against our stronghold.
But we need not fear either battle for Jesus promises to be with us to the very end (Matthew 28:19-20).
A Spiritual Stronghold
As important as a physical stronghold is, a spiritual stronghold is better and far more important. In Psalms, David repeatedly looked to God as his stronghold. We should follow his example.
He wrote, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).
In this, David sees God as a rock, a fortress, deliverer, and shield. He provides salvation and is a stronghold.
Like David, may we also turn to our Lord as our stronghold, who delivers us and provides our salvation.
Having a physical stronghold is good; having a spiritual stronghold is better.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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