A Mighty Fortress: God's character in the Castle

The picturesque lawn and meticulously arranged garden at Ashford Castle, set against the backdrop of the majestic stone facade, create a backdrop to reflect on God's character.

I’m in Ireland at the magnificent Ashford Castle, built in the 13th century.  It towers along the shores of a lake, surrounded by 360 acres of majestic estate with ancient forests and fields as well as beautifully manicured gardens. The massive structure itself is breathtaking— stone walls reaching upward with various towers and spires. You can see the continuous care that has gone into this building from hundreds of years of upkeep and repairs by viewing the intermingling of ancient stones with the newer ones— allowing this castle to function as modern hotel and not simply sit abandoned like the thousands of other castle ruins scattering the Ireland landscape. The inside is equally ornate, as one would expect from any castle, with elegant furniture and chandeliers made from Waterford crystal. Surrounding the castle is a literal moat complete with iron gates of entry on the bridge. All around the castle grounds are stone lookout towers and walls, remnants of the warrior days of the past. Being here is like stepping into a portal of the centuries long gone.

A magnificent stone bridge leads to the impressive entrance of Ashford Castle

  Up until now, we have had a hectic trip— filling every minute with as many of the sites of Ireland as possible so as not to miss an opportunity.  However, that has left me fatigued, with little chance to process what I’ve seen. Staying at the castle has given me the space to stop and reflect. In the morning, I opened my Bible at random to Psalm 48. In it, the sons of Korah are describing the magnificence of Jerusalem as God’s holy city. I’ve read this psalm numerous times in my life without much impact. However, reading it in this location, I felt it deeply, especially the last three verses.  They say,

“Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die” (Psalm 48: 12-14 NLT).

Here, sitting amidst the fortified walls of an ancient castle, gazing out the windows at the towers and the protective structures across the grounds, God is reminding me of his character. Within his walls the weary find rest, peace and sanctuary. He is our protector when troubles come, our strong fortress, our “refuge and strength” (psalm 46:1). Like the castle walls that are four feet thick, he brings safety. Regardless of what may happen to our earthly bodies, our souls will always be safe within his arms.

Like the inside of the castle, God is also luxurious, and he lavishes his love and grace upon us like the most opulent of kings (Ephesians 1:8). Yet, knowing him is worth more than all the material treasures in the world. Further, like the castle and its grounds, God is beautiful. Everything in this world that has true beauty is his fingerprint, a reflection of him. When we see beauty in nature, in the people we love, in music, in art, in anything—it is a glimpse into the character of God as every good thing comes from him.

Opulent Waterford Crystal Chandeliers inside the castle.

Seeing the patchwork of repaired stones reminds me that God is the “repairer of broken walls.” Isaiah prophesied to the Israelites that “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” (Isaiah 58: 12). When life feels broken, when relationships are crumbling, when we feel lost without a home, God promises loving restoration and his hand of upkeep.  It is important to remember, however, that things may not look exactly like they did before, but we can be assured that the final product will be built to last. This all leads to the reminder that God is enduring, eternal, and everlasting. At his very core, he is faithful and loving. He has always been and always will be. He was God to the 13th century Kings and peasants in this very spot just as he is God to you and to me. Years pass by, but he never changes.  There is immense comfort in that thought.

When life feels broken, when relationships are crumbling, when we feel lost without a home, God promises loving restoration and his hand of upkeep.

I am so grateful for how God speaks to us and shows up in the unexpected ways. I am grateful for how the Word of God is living, how it comes alive, bringing personal meaning to verses where before there was none. After this trip, I will never hear the old hymn “A mighty fortress is our God” in the same way again.  Therefore, friends, I encourage you to look for him in the unexpected. Ask him to reveal his character to you, to speak to you personally where you are, and to draw you ever closer to a relationship that will endure for all the ages.