Have you ever seen the castle at Disneyland or Disney World? I have been to both places and the castle is a pretty thing.
There are two words for castle in the German language: Schloss and Burg. The Disney castle is a Schloss, which means palace. It has features of such a beautiful fairy-tale palace. But a Burg, which means “fortress” is very different. A fortress is a solid, strong structure that can protect people from invading armies. I would Point out that Psalm 46 describes God as a Burg — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble … the God of Jacob is our refuge [or fortress]” (vv. 1, 7).
Do you remember the first line of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God?” Martin Luther based this hymn on Psalm 46. What are some of the ways that God acts like a fortress for us, and offers us protection? God is a Mighty Burg, not a Pretty Palace, and because of this “we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake” (v. 2).
I encourage you to think of God the Mighty Fortress surrounding you with protection and peace, every single day.
