When I visited my son who was teaching in the Philippines, we took an excursion to the island of Corregidor. The tour gave me much insight into what my father had suffered during World War II.

One day an attack was imminent and soldiers ran for the Malinta Tunnel built into the mountain. This veritable fortress housed war offices, a cafeteria, an entertainment center, a hospital, and barracks — all underground.

Just after my dad entered, the heavy door clanged shut and the bombardment began. He was safe! Safe because he had respect for the training he’d been given and understood what he should do.

It may seem strange to compare the fear of the Lord to a secure fortress, but our awe and respect for God enables us to be sheltered from Satan’s intent to deceive and destroy. Coming to the Word of God every morning, we receive our training and learn how we should live.

If we have made God our refuge through respect and obedience, He becomes our shelter in our distresses. This does not mean that we won’t have trials and difficulties in life, but it does mean that He will see to it that they do not overcome us as we put our trust in Him and His plans and provisions for us.