Running to My Strong Tower: Finding Safety in God

A sturdy strong tower!

Running to the Strong Tower: My Journey to Finding Safety in God

You know those moments when life feels like it’s coming at you like a runaway train? Maybe it’s a bill you can’t pay, a fight with a friend, or just that heavy feeling of worry that won’t quit. I’ve been there, and sometimes I still am.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about a verse from the Bible that’s been like a flashlight in the fog:

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

It’s got me reflecting on what it means to run to God when life gets messy, and I want to share that with you.

Picture this: I’m out in a field, and a storm is rolling in—dark clouds, thunder rumbling, the works. There’s a big, solid treehouse nearby, the kind that could withstand anything. I could stand there, staring at it, thinking, “Wow, that looks safe,” but if I don’t climb up the ladder and get inside, I’m still going to get soaked.

That’s what this verse is saying about God. He’s like that treehouse—a strong tower—and His “name” is everything He is: His love, His strength, His promises. But I can’t just look at Him. I’ve got to run to Him to be safe.

Running, not walking, is the key here. When I’m scared—like when I got that call about a family member being sick—I don’t have time to stroll. It’s like a dog chasing me at the park. I don’t walk to my car; I sprint. That’s how I need to go to God when life’s storms hit. The Bible says “run” because there’s urgency. Problems don’t wait, and neither should I.

So, how do I run to God? It’s not like I can physically sprint to a tower. The verse’s explanation hit me hard: it’s about reading His Word, believing it, obeying it, and praying it. It's not like trying to find a verse that fits your situation but God dropping a scripture in your mind just at the right time. I believe that's what Psalm 56:3 means to David, it's where he says,

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.”

It’s like reading a map to find the tower. Believing it means trusting God’s got my back, even when I’m freaking out. Obeying is like following a coach’s game plan—doing what God says, like forgiving someone even when I don’t feel like it. And praying His Word? That’s me talking to God when He brings a scripture to mind like Proverbs 18:10, and I'm saying, “I'm running to You because You are my strong tower right now."

Here’s what I’m learning: I don’t need to “get ready” to run to God. I used to think I had to fix myself first—like I needed to stop messing up or feel “good enough” before praying. But that’s like stopping to pack a suitcase while bees are chasing me. I just need to go to Him, messy and all.

The verse says to drop my burdens, like my need to prove I’m “good.” God’s tower is safe because of Him, not because I’m perfect at running. It’s like hiding in a storm shelter during a tornado. The shelter’s strength saves me, not how fast I ran or what I brought with me.

King David was in trouble many times—chased by enemies, stressed out—but he ran to God by trusting and praising Him. He said, “What can mere man do to me?” because he knew God’s tower was stronger than any threat. It reminds me of when I was a kid, running to my mother when a bully was mean. She’d stand there, and suddenly the bully didn’t seem so big. That’s God for me now.

Here’s something else: fear can actually help me run to God. When I’m scared—like when I’m worried about my health—fear is like thunder pushing me to the treehouse. It reminds me I need God. Instead of panicking or scrolling my phone for hours, I’m learning to pray or read a verse that fits what I'm going through at the moment. It’s not always easy, but it’s like grabbing a life preserver when I’m sinking. Fear gives me the nudge to trust God more.

I don’t always get it right. Sometimes I hesitate, wondering if I should handle things myself or if God’s really there. But the verse says the righteous don’t wait—they know God’s the only safe place. It’s like knowing my house has food when I’m starving. I don’t wander around looking for snacks; I go home. God’s my home, and I’m learning to run there first.

The best part? My safety isn’t about me—it’s about God. Once I’m in His tower, I’m safe because He’s strong, not because I did everything perfectly. It’s like being in a bulletproof car. The car protects me, not my driving skills. Whether I’m stressed about money, relationships, or just life, I’m safe when I’m with Him.

I’m still on this journey, figuring out how to run to God faster and trust Him more. But every time I open my Bible, pray, or choose to obey, I feel a little closer to that tower. And when I’m there, I can breathe, knowing nothing can touch me that God doesn’t allow.

Reflection Questions:

1. What’s a challenge or “storm” you’re facing right now that feels overwhelming? How might turning to God bring you peace?
   

2. How do you “run” to God in your daily life—through prayer, reading the Bible, or something else? What’s one way you could lean into this more?
   

3. What’s a burden, like guilt or trying to be “good enough,” that you could let go of to run to God faster? How would that feel?
   

4. When fear or worry hits, what’s your first instinct—turning to God or something else? How can you make God your first “safe place”?
   

Prayer: Father God, you’re my strong tower, my safe place when life feels like too much. Thank you for being there, no matter how messy I am or how scared I feel.

May I learn to run to you—not walk, not wait—but run with all I’ve got. Show me how to read your Word, believe it, obey it, and pray it. When fear hits, remind me to turn to you first.

Thank you that your presence keeps me safe, not my own efforts. Guide me closer to you every day. Amen.

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