It was late in the evening. It had been another hot long day, but one in which I was able to return to the relative comfort of my trailer. As I lay there, bright lights cast moving shadows through my window. The shadow of my blinds moved up the wall. Out the window I could see the flare floating down. It was not far away. I stepped outside to get a better look.
My trailer was behind tall Texas t-barriers that protected us from direct fire. The flare was just south of us. A second flare opened and began floating down. Then the obvious struck me. One reason flares are shot is to identify the enemy. We didn’t see visible light flares much because of our night vision devices.
The flares should have been my warning. Suddenly fire erupted just over the wire. A firefight ensued. Tracers raced overhead. Two small explosions, automatic gun fire. Then as quickly as it began it ended. I was still standing there. I was surprised that I had not felt my heart racing or been overcome with the urge to run for cover. Perhaps it was because I was tired. Maybe it was because I knew I was behind the protection of those t-barriers. I went back into my trailer and crawled back in bed.
One thought came to mind. “Strong tower, He is a strong tower.” Just as those t-barriers provided for a measure of safety, ultimately God is my strong tower, protecting me from the dangers this life holds.
Abba, you are my strong tower. I run to you in my fear and uncertainty. I know I am safe in your arms. Safe from my enemies, safe from myself.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)