Friday, July 18, 2025
You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Psalm 91:1-4a
Marked Safe
There is a popular meme on Facebook that activate during major natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other tragedies so that people can let their family and friends know that they are safe. It simply reads, “Marked Safe From…” and you fill in the blank. A very long time ago in England there were special rooms in castles where the weak and vulnerable would be “Marked Safe.”
In all the old castles of England there used to be a place called the keep. It was always the strongest and best protected place in the castle, and in it were hidden all who were weak and helpless and unable to defend themselves in times of danger. We can hide ourselves in the keeping power of our Divine Keeper, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and who has promised to preserve our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and even forever more.
The qualification for entrance was simply and only need and weakness. How foolish then it would have been for any to have made their weakness the reason for remaining outside! And yet how continually is this done toward the Lord’s keep. If ever your feet are to touch the “rock beneath,” you must let go of every holding-place and drop into God; for there is no other way. And to do it now may save you months and even years of strain and weariness. - Hannah Whitall Smith
The castle keep was usually the central tower located within a castle. Basically it was a castle within a castle and it was traditionally used as a final defensive structure. The castle keep was the strongest and securest part of a castle. Often during battles, the castle keep would house the weak and defenseless who could not help themselves.
God is our castle keep. He is our refuge, protector, healer, Savior, he is for us, he loves us, he heals our broken hearts and binds our wounds. He is merciful and just, omnipotent, omniscient, Holy, faithful, powerful, sovereign, and he goes before us, behind us, and all around us. He is our ultimate safe place.
I have to say it is just the place I have been looking for my whole life, and yet I have had it since I became a believer. Who doesn’t long for safety and security in their life? A safe place, with the greatest defender of all time standing guard at the door? We can retreat into his arms and know that He is fighting for us. He protects us so many times that we are even unaware of. He is our very own castle keep. He is the defender of the weak and He comforts those in need. In his safe presence we can find the greatest rest. All believers have the ultimate castle keep, and still we often refuse to give up the fight and hand it over to him, retreating into his safety, power, and rest. We are “Marked Safe” in him when we abide in the castle keep. This world is broken so we will still experience tragedies, illness and even physical pain, but when we abide in him he is always with us in every experience, and we are safe for eternity with him. What battle are you still fighting that you need to hand over and retreat to the castle keep?
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
