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Our usual shore point when we want to go to the ocean on the east coast is the Delaware shore and we've made many summer trips in or near Rehoboth Beach. A unique feature found along the coast in Southern Delaware are the large observation towers built during World War 2 to serve as security to the mouth of Delaware Bay for any sign of approaching enemies or enemy activity. These massive towers, reaching almost 100 feet tall, still stand along the Atlantic shore in southern Delaware to this day. Construction took place from 1939 to 1942, with the intention of the towers having a 20-year lifespan. But quite a few remain over 80 years later!

These towers were a part of America’s coastal defense system during the war used as a measure to protect the bay and coastal towns of the area from encroaching enemies. It was vital to keep enemy ships away from Philadelphia which is up into Delaware Bay where war vessels were built. Sitting high above water level, soldiers were able to spot enemy ships and submarines out in the distance. Not only did the tower’s occupants spot the enemy, but they also helped forces on the ground aim their artillery.

Scripture uses imagery of a strong tower to demonstrate the security we have in the Lord. In the Old Testament period towers were used as a place of refuge against the enemy. David writes a marvelous prayer recorded in Psalm 61 beginning with these words, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe" (Psalm 61:1-3). Today we do well to express this in the present tense in regard to our own challenges, "You, O God, are my refuge, a strong tower against my foe".

The writer of Proverbs also uses this image in a similar way. “The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible states, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower – The name of the Lord may be taken for the Lord Himself; He is a strong tower, a refuge, and place of complete safety, to all that trust in Him. What the strong fortress is to the besieged, God is to His persecuted, tempted, and afflicted followers.”

Likewise, we who run to Christ find a strong tower of refuge and safety. This is true for all who have heavy burdens, but is an especially rich assurance for those who are being persecuted for their Christian faith, like so many of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world like Nigeria and the Middle East. The writer of Hebrews cheers on the persecuted believer with these words, “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:18).

Life is fragile and unpredictable. Now is the day of salvation. Place your hope in Christ, for this life which will inevitably include the life yet to come. We urge you to run to the eternal hope offered to us through the strong tower of Christ!

Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber