12. In practical terms, how can we call upon the Lord as our high tower and our refuge, our shield, and find shelter under His wings? 2 Corinthians 1:20.
NOTE: ‘True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realised and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realise it. When the promised blessing is realised and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.’ Early Writings, page 72.
13. What other pictures does the Bible give for our reliance on the promises of God while the conflict between good and evil rages around us? Psalm 27:5. Compare Isaiah 26:20-21.
NOTE: ‘Through a rift in the clouds there beams a star whose brilliancy is increased fourfold in contrast with the darkness. It speaks hope and joy to the faithful, but severity and wrath to the transgressors of God’s law. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ are now secure, hidden as in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. They have been tested, and before the world and the despisers of truth they have evinced their fidelity to Him who died for them. A marvellous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3.’ Darkness Before Dawn, page 48.
LESSON INSIGHT: In all these aspects of God’s care and protection, there is something that we have to do to make ready for the evil day, choose to be on the side of the Lord, Just as in the life of David, we seek protection, but Scripture tells us it is His gentleness with us that makes us great and stands us on solid ground. Psalm 18:35. Learn His promises and hold on to them as yea and amen. The motivation for this is not merely for our lives; as we claim His protection, others too will see the glory of God. In all our dealings with God, the key is to trust and obey, to bring Him praise and glory, remembering that our lives are a theatre in the world to show God in the best light. Remember how God has led you and cared for you and in future times you will be able to trace this care, with a deepening trust in Him till earthly care is left behind. ‘And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.’ Psalm 37:40