12-10-06 Isaiah 25:4

Isaiah 25:4 (KJ21)
For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Isaiah 25:4 (NAS)
For Thou hast been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall.

Isaiah 25:4 (NIVUS)
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall.

Isaiah 25:4 (NLT)
But to the poor, O LORD, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,

Have you ever wanted a champion, someone who would take up your cause and stand by you? Did you know that there is already someone who will do just that?

Jesus Christ, Jehovah the Lord, has already taken on that role for you. He has become your place and means of safety. He is your protection, refuge and stronghold. In the harbor of His arms, you become strong and firm. You may have been low, poor, and weak, languishing in distress, but the Lord your God helps you to prevail. He has delivered you from the oppression, abuse, and trouble that used to plague you.

When your enemies and foes besiege and bind you, forcing you into tight and narrow places and thoughts, then you should turn to Adonai, the Most High God, for protection and hope. He becomes a shelter from the storms and floods that try to overwhelm you. The Lord God keeps you from danger and protects you from the lies that they bring against you.

Sometimes you may feel parching heat, dryness, and drought. Perhaps it seems as if a knife or sword is cutting you to pieces. You may see waste, desolation, or ruin all around you. Then Jehovah the Lord becomes a shade and you can find coolness and protection in His shadow.

You may be surrounded with ruthless men, those who are troubled, bitter, and discontented. Perhaps you have become the brunt of their anger, which causes you unending trouble and sorrow. You, however, need not fear them or their rantings. Their storms will not be able to throw you up against a wall, destroying and breaking you. When they send their floods to overthrow you, Almighty God sends a bigger flood of His power to wash them away.