Hidden with Christ in God

How are we “hidden with Christ in God”? Let’s explore this thought.

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col 3:3-4 NKJV)

As believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2) We are set free from the power of sin. (Rom 6:7) Since we are ‘dead’ to sin—or spiritually separated from it through salvation in Jesus—our lives are encompassed or contained in Jesus Christ.

All of this simply means that we are in union with Jesus, our Savior. We are one with Him.

On that day [when that time comes] you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. (Joh 14:20 AMP)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 ESV)

As you can see from the two verses shown above, it is clear that we are forever in union with Jesus, and securely enfolded by our loving heavenly Father.

After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live. (Joh 14:19 NASB)

Being in union with Christ means that the past, present, and future aspects of our life are now and forever tied up and remain in union with Christ, and it began at the Cross when we died with Him. The condition of our lives may appear to contradict this truth, when difficulties rain down upon us, but no matter what life throws at us our union with Christ is 100% secure.

(Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/colossians-3-3)

All of this reassures us to realize that we are safe and secure in Jesus. He is our rock, our fortress, deliverer, strength, shield and our stronghold. (Ps 18:2) May God bless your day!

Jesus, Our High Tower & Our Safe Place

One of the mightiest defenses that we have in this world to help us fight against the tactics of Satan, is the name of the Lord.

John 17:12 (AMP) Jesus is speaking: While I was with them, I kept and preserved them in Your Name [in the knowledge and worship of You]. Those You have given Me I guarded and protected . . .

Jesus was communicating this idea: ‘I kept them in that High Tower, inside that NAME—I kept them there; they were in that lofty place.’ Remember the 70 that were chosen to be sent out said, “even the devils are subject to us in Your Name!”

There are numerous Bible verses referring to the Lord as our high tower—our stronghold, our refuge.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. (Ps 18:2 AMP, emphasis added)

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah. (Ps 46:7; 46:11 AMP, emphasis added)

O [God] my strength, I will watch for You; for God is my stronghold [my refuge, my protector, my high tower]. (Ps 59:9 AMP, emphasis added)

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ³For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. (Ps 61:2-3 NKJV) Jesus is the Rock. (1 Cor 10:4; Ps 78:35)

But the Lord has become my high tower and defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. (Ps 94:22 AMP)

My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. (Ps 144:2 NKJV, emphasis added)

A high tower represented safety to people in biblical times; it was used for defensive purposes. (Jud 9:51) Watchmen would be posted upon high towers to keep a lookout for enemies (human or animal), and the watchmen would sound an alarm when they saw danger approaching.

High towers also served as a protection for people, animals, and goods. They were used as a fortress in times of war. It served as a last retreat when a town was taken by an enemy. The people would flee to the high tower along with their valuable possessions.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil]. (Pro 18:10 AMP)

“The Lord is a strong tower in fearful and scary times. It is the name of the Lord that is our
strong tower. It is the place of safety which God promises to those who
run to Him. The name of the Lord is a Biblical expression for the whole
character of God. The name of the Lord refers to God’s person and character.”

~ (Source: https://www.cui.edu/devotions/lent/2019/post/the-name-of-the-lord/day/40)

Jesus’ name is our high tower; and when we turn to Him, we are set far above evil. Let us praise and worship the Lord for His mercy, love, and protection. Thank You, Lord!

The Lord Saves His Servants

The Lord is committed to those of us who follow Him and serve Him. His Word testifies to this truth repeatedly.

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Ps 34:22 NKJV) This is just one of the Lord’s promises to His people. NONE who trust in Him shall be condemned.

The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. ¹⁰Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you. (Ps 9:9-10 CEV) Our God is a fortress in times of trouble. He is faithful to ALL who depend upon Him. God cannot lie. (Tit 1:2)

. . . who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion . . . (Ps 103:4 NIV) Not only does the Lord redeem our lives from hell but He also crowns us with His love and compassion. Praise the Lord!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom 8:31-32 ESV) If God is on our side, but no one can succeed or gain victory over the Lord. Since the Lord didn’t spare His own Son, it is certain that along with our salvation He freely gives us all that we need.

We are blessed to serve a faithful and loving God.

What is a Buckler?

When we read certain versions of the Bible, there are terms or words used that we may not understand. I know in the King James Version of the Bible, there are quite a number of words that are not used in modern times and they can confuse us.

One such term is the word buckler. Here are the definitions of this word:

1a: a small round shield held by a handle at arm’s length. 1b: a shield worn on the left arm. 2: one that shields and protects.

Here are several Bible verses that use this word.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Ps 18:2 NKJV, emphasis added)

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. (2 Sam 22:31 NKJV, emphasis added)

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Ps 91:14 NKJV, emphasis added)

As you can see from the definitions of the word buckler, you’ll notice that it was a means of protection; it could be worn on the left arm; and it could be said of One who shields and protects. Clearly the third definition seems to best apply to the Lord. He is certainly One who shields us and protects us. He is like a mother bird who protects her young under the shelter of her own wings. (Ps 91:14)

God’s truth is also called our shield and buckler. (Ps 91:14) Since God and His Word are in total unity, it is not surprising that He and His Word are portrayed by the same words. Just remember whenever you need shielding or protecting, you should turn to our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus. He will not fail to protect you!

God Knows Those Who Trust in Him

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. (Nah 1:7)

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (Joh 10:14)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Pro 18:10)

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. (1 Cor 8:3)

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Tim 2:19)

Our God is full of power, wisdom and knowledge. He knows when a person turns to Him with love, and when a person has put their trust in Him. To such people, God is a fortress, a good shepherd, and a place of safety.

God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. (Isa 64:4) What a magnificent promise!

All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have been given many promises in the Bible. Here are just a handful of such treasures:

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (Deu 31:6)
The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence.
⁴I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. (2 Sam 22:3-4)
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ³⁰I and My Father are one.” (Joh 10:28-30)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. ³He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Ps 23:1-5)

Let me reassure you that God knows your heart. He knows that you love Him, trust Him, and turn to Him in times of need and trouble. He will not fail you nor will He ever forsake you. He will meet your needs and fulfill His promises to you. What joyous facts to know! Hallelujah!

Call the Walls Salvation

Here are a couple of prophetic verses from the Bible.

Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (Isa 60:18)

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. (Isa 26:1)

There is a day coming when Jesus Christ shall gather His church together, and the verses above foretell of that victorious time. There will be no need of gates or walls for protection, because the walls will be the very salvation of our God, and the “gates” that we enter will be praise unto our God. Praise opens all gates into the presence of our living God.

God has shown Himself well able to protect His people. He says that He is a wall of fire around His people.

‘For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.” (Zech 2:5)

God is already the glory in our midst—right now.

He is our Protector and Deliverer. (2 Sam 22:2-3; Ps 5:11; 34:17; 91:9-12; 2 Thes 3:3) As we walk with Him and obey His Word willingly, He takes care of all of our individual needs. Surely, our relationship with Jesus Christ is a fortress and a protection from evil. The walls of this fortress are called “salvation.”

A Double Blessing

Our God is a God of comfort and restoration, a God who rewards His people with abundant blessings.

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. (Zech 9:12) This is speaking to people who are captives, yet because of their faith in the Lord, they have hope. God is their stronghold, their fortress, and their shield—who provides for their needs. (Nah 1:7; Ps 18:2)

“Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isa 40:2) This verse says that their warfare is ended because God fights on behalf of His people. (Deut 3:22; Josh 23:10) He is the same today—He still fights for His people—for you and for me. Hallelujah!

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs. (Isa 61:7) Our God promises that instead of shame, all who place their faith in Him shall have double honor. He also states that instead of feeling confusion, we shall rejoice over our measure of blessings from God; and in our land, we shall possess double. Double what? Double blessings and benefits from the God who is love. What a promise! What a gift from God’s loving hand!

In a spiritual sense, all unsaved people are enslaved by sin and satan. Many are not aware that they are imprisoned, yet others yearn for a way out of their state of affairs. All that they need to do is to cry out to the Lord, and He will respond by saving them.

That is true for saint and sinner: God responds to each one of us when we cry out to Him for help, deliverance, or wisdom. God is the deliverer who sets people free, and pours out His blessings upon all who trust in Him. May God bless you.

Food for Meditation

Our last article was on the topic of meditation, which included a biblical promise with it. Today, I’m going to give you suggested food or topics for meditation. I hope that they will bless you.

The Lord is my:

Exceedingly great reward (Gen 15:1)
Rock (Ps 18:2; 31:3; 71:3)
Rock that is Higher than I (Ps 61:2)
High Tower (Ps 144:2)
Hiding Place (Ps 32:7;119:114)
Very present help in the time of trouble (Ps 46:1)
Intercessor (Job 16:19-21 NIV1984; Isa 59:16-17)
Mediator (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24)
Advocate (1 Joh 2:1)
Teacher (Lk 12:12; Joh 14:26; 1 Cor 2:13)
Healer (Ex 15:26; Ps 103:3; Mt 4:23)
Open Heaven (Joh 1:51)
Comfort, Comforter (Ps 86:17; 2 Cor 1:3-4)
Strength (Ps 18:1; 32)
Fortress (Ps 18:2; 31:3; 71:3; 144:2)
Deliverer (Ps 18:2; 40:17; 70:5)
Shield (Ps 3:3; 18:2; 28:7; 144:2)
Horn of my salvation (Ps 18:2)
Stronghold (Ps 18:2)
Redeemer (Ps 19:14; 78:35; Pro 23:11)
Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6)
Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2)
Bright, Morning Star (Rev 22:16)

May God bless your meditations.

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