NearnessNäide

For the past 10 years, I have played in an NFL fantasy football league and in 2023, I made it to the championship finals. The championship came down to one real life game in which something extraordinary happened. Damar Hamlin, one of the players, collapsed on the field during a game and his heart stopped.

As the world watched on, something unusual happened. Players and fans across the stadium and on the big screens began praying publicly. Amid the chaos, the response wasn’t just medical action—it was calling on the name of the Lord.

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Towers are tall. They are fortified. They are built in such a way that makes them hard to assault. When danger threatens, we instinctively look for safety. For the believer, that refuge isn’t escapism, attack or denial—it is the presence and character of God Himself. Running to His name means anchoring yourself in who He is: healer, protector, redeemer, and our peace.

David speaks of this refuge in Psalm 91:2 (ESV): “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Trust is directional. In panic, we often reach towards something and the Word reminds us that we should reach for God.

We may never collapse on a football field with millions watching, but each of us face moments of breakdown, fear, and isolation. The invitation remains: run to the tower. His name stands immovable.

Today, ponder this: Speak the name of Jesus over one area where you feel vulnerable. Trust Him to be your refuge and choose to run to Him instead of other things of the world.