"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2). "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted, and You delivered them; to You they cried, and were saved; in You they trusted, and were not put to shame" (Psalm 22:5-6). "O Lord, You are our dwelling place in all generations" (Psalm 90:1). By means of this strong shield, our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob defended themselves, as it is recorded: "He was not willing that any should harm them; He rebuked kings for their sake" (1 Chronicles 16:21). Under this protection, Joseph remained pure in spirit and body, withstanding the arrows of temptation and trial. Through this armor, Israel was safeguarded upon their exodus from Egypt, shielded from their oppressor Pharaoh and the adversaries they encountered along their journey, as they were preserved from manifold enemies while inhabiting the promised land. "If the Lord had not been on our side," let Israel declare, "if the Lord had not been on our side when men rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive; when their anger was kindled against us, the waters would have overwhelmed us" (Psalm 124:1-4). King David of Israel overcame all his foes, stating: "All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off; they surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off" (Psalm 118:10-12). The prophets, apostles, saints, martyrs, and all those who have served God throughout history have been protected under this shield, enduring countless trials and sorrows. Present-day Christians also turn to this invulnerable shield, and as they defend themselves against their adversaries, they gladly proclaim: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalm 46:1, 7). "If God is for us, who can be against us? He 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?" (Romans 8:31-32). Saint Paul, a devout servant of God, boldly triumphs over all hell's power. Dear Christian, the adversary and malevolent spirits rage against humanity, particularly targeting true believers. Like wild beasts in the night, they lurk invisibly, rising up to subvert them in numerous ways, seeking to bring about their destruction, whether directly or through the agency of false believers and other malicious individuals. Who could withstand their accusations and attacks without the Lord's divine shield of mercy and sheltering grace? Indeed, a person would perish in an instant without such protection. The words of David, recalling Israel's defense, resonate truthfully for the new Israel, the Christians: "If the Lord had not been with us, let Israel say, if the Lord had not been with us when men rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive; when their anger was kindled against us, the waters would have overwhelmed us" (Psalm 124:1-3). Truly, the living would have been consumed by opposing forces had God not remained with us. "Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth" (Psalm 124:6). This illustrates the futility of placing hope in anything other than God. Every human support is feeble, a false refuge in comparison to the Lord. Therefore, abandoning all else, we turn to this unwavering shield. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes" (Psalm 118:8-9). While some may rely on cunning, wealth, prestige, or the support of influential figures, whatever they depend on is a fragile and decaying shield. Their hopes are sure to be dashed. We will defend ourselves in the name of the Lord and will not be shamed. Look, O Christian, hold fast to God alone, for the name of the Lord will safeguard you against every accusation of the adversary. "I love You, O Lord, my strength! The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my refuge, and my Savior; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3). "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). "You are my refuge in my affliction" (Psalm 31:7). "You are my help, and I sing praises to You, for You are my advocate, my God, and my mercy" (Psalm 59:17). When a believer walks in God's grace and is shielded by the Almighty, even if all wicked individuals, worldly influences, demons, and the very forces of hell rise against them, they will not achieve their aims. For God is stronger than all, holding them secure in His mighty right hand, protecting and preserving them. Fear not, O righteous soul. "He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you" (Psalm 91:3-7). This encompasses the message of the entire psalm.
THEOSIS