From one of my favorite hymns, purportedly written and composed by Martin Luther (somewhere between 1527 and 1529), come these two words translated from German to English (by Hedge):  Fortress and Bulwark.

Fortress: a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance. Bulwark: a defensive wall. Hedge’s translation of Luther’s beloved hymn presents these two descriptions of God.

A Mighty Fortress is our God, a Bulwark never failing…Awesome!  Our Heavenly Father will not be susceptible to outside influence and is a defensive wall for us.  Do you feel protected?  I do.  God’s focus is on us, His children and He will never fail us. He loves us unconditionally.

Luther’s words and music were written before the Reformation period and are a paraphrase of Psalm 46.  Luther’s tomb is inscribed with, “A Mighty Fortress.” It is believed he meant this as a song of comfort. His personal struggles were real and many faceted.  Be thankful our God is a fortress and bulwark. Lean on Him.  You are His and He is there for you!

Jill