God’s Fort: Ultimate Security

Psalm 91:1-6, 11, Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 6-9

As children, many of us built forts from blankets in the living room or tree branches in the backyard. Inside those makeshift walls, we felt safe. It didn’t matter that the walls were flimsy or that an adult could easily pull them down. What mattered was that, at that moment, we believed we were secure.

As adults, we still build forts—but now they look different. We build homes with locked doors, save money for emergencies, and work tirelessly to protect our families. These things are good and necessary, but deep down, we all know that no amount of preparation can protect us from every storm of life.

Living near Fort Bragg (or Fort Liberty, as it is now called), we understand the importance of a stronghold—a place of security and defense. Military bases are designed to protect soldiers, store resources, and serve as a launching point for missions. They are symbols of strength and readiness, ensuring that those within are shielded from external threats.

But even the strongest military bases have limitations. No human-built fortress can guarantee complete safety from every threat. Nations rise and fall, economies fluctuate, and personal struggles can shake our sense of security. That’s why Psalm 91 reminds us that the strongest fort is not built by human hands, it is found in the presence of God.

God invites us to make Him our fortress—a shelter that no storm, no enemy, and no trial can overcome. Security isn’t just about having walls around us, it’s about where we choose to abide. The key word here is dwell. It’s not about running to God only in times of crisis; it’s about living in His presence daily.

Children can rest in their forts without fear. They aren’t anxious about whether the walls will hold. God calls us to rest in Him the same way—to trust that His presence is enough.

For example, Noah didn’t just build an ark; he entered it and stayed in it until the flood had passed. Noah wouldn't have been saved if he had built the ark but refused to step inside. Likewise, knowing about God’s protection isn’t enough—we must enter His presence and trust Him daily.

God’s fort is open to all, but we must choose to dwell in it.

A military base is heavily guarded, surrounded by walls, watchtowers, and security personnel. Its defenses are designed to withstand external attacks. Similarly, God’s fort is built with supernatural defenses—His faithfulness, His angels, and His divine protection.

But there’s a key difference. A military base relies on human strength, technology, and strategy to defend against enemies. God’s fort relies on His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness to shield His people.

This does not mean we won’t face hardship. It means that no hardship can remove us from God’s presence.

In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan tempted Jesus by quoting Psalm 91:11-12: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Satan tried to twist God’s promise, tempting Jesus to test God’s protection by jumping off the temple. But Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7).

God’s fort is not about recklessness but trust. Jesus knew true security comes from abiding in God, not testing Him. We often try to control our protection—manipulating situations, fearing the unknown, or testing God’s promises instead of trusting them. Jesus shows us that true security is found in surrender, not in control.

Psalm 91 ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the One who provides eternal security. A military base protects soldiers for a time, but God’s fort is eternal. Noah’s Ark saved a few, but Jesus’ sacrifice opens salvation to all. A fort can be attacked, but the gates of hell will never prevail against God’s Kingdom(Matthew 16:18).

The greatest battle was fought and won at the cross. Jesus endured the attack of sin and death so we could be safe forever. His resurrection is proof that God’s fort can never be broken. When we abide in Him, we have victory—not just in this life, but for eternity.

Where Is Your Security?

Military forts provide security, but even they are limited. Walls can be breached, battles can be lost, and even the strongest armies have weaknesses. But God’s fort is unshakable, unbreakable, and eternal.

Ask yourself today:

Are you building temporary forts of self-reliance, or are you dwelling in God’s presence?

Are you staying inside the fortress of God’s presence, or are you running outside to fight battles alone?

The Strongest Fort Is Not One We Build—It’s the One We Enter.

Will we trust God’s Fort for our lives because God’s fort will never fall, never fail, and never fade.

This Lent, let’s surrender our need for control and trust in the ultimate security found only in Him.

Closing Prayer: Lord, You are our refuge and fortress. Teach us to dwell in Your presence, trust in Your protection, and rest in the salvation You provide through Jesus Christ. As we journey toward Easter, may we leave behind our fragile forts and abide in the unshakable security of Your love. Amen.