On the rare occasion that I get to indulge in films, I love the Hallmark channel’s Christmas movies. I don’t have a whole lot of free time to just lounge, but when I do, I can get lost in a sappy, made-for-TV movie and love every minute.

It’s funny to me that some of the stuff I thought was corny and intolerable in my teens and twenties, I find engrossing these days. Hallmark films are sweet, family-friendly, profanity-free and delightful to watch. I don’t quite know what it is that sucks me into these whimsical holiday films specifically, but I don’t mind watching them year-round.

I’d say the network has its formula down pat.

One of the things I like, aside from the festiveness and warmth of the storylines, is the temporary escape the flicks provide. By the time approximately an hour and twenty-four minutes have passed, every problem is resolved, and everyone basically lives happily ever after.

The girl gets the guy and vice versa; the entrepreneur sees a turnaround in their business; the one that starts out suffering at their dead-end job gets to leave and pursue their passion; relationship tensions get smoothed over and misunderstandings are cleared up; for every heartbreak, there is a wonderful, heart-mending occurrence not too far behind.

It’s gratifying to watch it all unfold.

Even if Hallmark movies aren’t quite your thing, I think we can all agree that most of us enjoy a happy ending. When life gets hectic, escapism, which, by definition, is a tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, is often what we gravitate toward. Entertainment can feel like a mini vacation for the mind. But its euphoric effects don’t last. After the credits roll, it’s back to reality.

And in real life, we face issues, troubles and disasters much bigger than those presented in a holiday Hallmark movie. That’s why I’m glad that, as believers, we have more than entertainment to run to in our time of trouble. We don’t need to rely on escapism. We have a real escape, a refuge even.

Proverbs 18:10 NASB says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”

To really appreciate this scripture, you must understand how strong towers were used in ancient times. Whenever a land was invaded by a formidable opponent, there were fortified castles built on hilltops to go to. While under siege, citizens were able to gather up their wealth and flee to the strong tower, which was very difficult to attack and infiltrate.

These castles offered protection from the enemy that came to steal, kill and destroy. Those who would otherwise be hapless victims in the hands of ruthless marauders had somewhere safe to turn to. The strong towers made it possible for them to protect their harvest and escape to a safe place. Once the gates were closed and the drawbridge was pulled up, the inhabitants breathed a sigh of relief. The enemy would attack still, but wouldn’t be able to penetrate. The raiders would show up only to find empty fields.

Now picture God.

In Proverbs 18:10, the word of God tells us His name is our refuge. God’s name denotes His character. His very nature is to protect us and provide shelter from the enemy’s attack. He keeps Satan from penetrating, or forcing his way inside our fortified place of refuge, and robbing us of the harvest God has given us.

Simply put, God, who is our mighty fortress, blocks the enemy’s attack. The weapon might be formed, but it won’t prosper. You may feel the heat, but you won’t be consumed.

Prophesy over your situation and your harvest right now, and declare, “God has already blocked the attack.”

Friend, though the enemy may be coming after you fiercely, you have a refuge. You have a strong tower. You have a keeper. You have a protector. You have a healer. You have a provider. You have a way-maker. You have a present help in the time of trouble.

You have shield and buckler according to Psalm 91:4 KJV, which says, the “truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

A buckler is a type of shield. It is a piece of defensive armor. In ancient times, historians say it was made out of wood, overlaid with leather, and reinforced with brass or other metal. A buckler was typically worn on the left arm. Darts would bounce off of it. It was made to be impervious or impenetrable.

That excites me because it means God’s truth makes us impenetrable. The attack of the enemy bounces off. It can pierce us through. That arrow or dart might bruise us and leave us a bit sore, but the damage the enemy wishes he could do, won’t be done.

That’s why it’s so powerful to know that the “truth,” which is the word of God. That is your weapon. Satan tries to penetrate your heart, mind, will, emotions, body, finances, family, job, ministry, home, church, and everything that concerns you. But when he shows up, when you armed with the truth, God blocks the attack. He won’t let it penetrate.

You are fortified and protected, so don’t worry about what the devil tries. God has you covered. I know the forceful attack can feel intimidating and overpowering, but the power that lies within you is much greater than the power coming against you. Satan’s army may seem very powerful, but the spirit of the Lord is lifting up a standard against the enemy at this very moment.

Today, I’m stirring Psalm 20:7 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, put your trust in the Lord. Rest in Him, your refuge, your strong tower, your shield and buckler, the preserver of your very life, the giver and keeper of your harvest.

The Lord is with you and none of the arrows the enemy uses to attack you will penetrate. Psalm 91:5 NLT says, “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.”

God’s message to you is Psalm 41:10 NKJV, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”

Now pray this.

God, the enemy is coming after me hard and strong. The attack is fierce and intense. So today, I am running to You, my safe place. Thank You for shielding me from the arrows and the darts of Satan. And whenever fear tries to creep up, help me remember that You are my strong tower and that no attack will penetrate, and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

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