God Is Our Refuge And Strength

"Today's Devotion" For February 13, 2006

Read: Psalm 71; Psalm 9

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor Me." (Ps. 50:15)

If you pick up any daily newspaper in the United States, today or any other day, it's a good bet that there will be reports with headings such as the following: "1 man dies, 1 is injured in shooting near bar;" "Shot fired into house kills...woman;" "Car veers from road, strikes...man;" "...woman killed in crash identified;" "Victim identified in...crash;" "Trial set for man accused of fatally stabbing friend." It's a seeminly endless list and only covers a small section of the local news section of the daily newspaper. If we add in the news from the surrounding communities, the state, the nation, and the world we get a picture of a pretty dangerous world.

Every day of our lives we face the reality and inevitability of injury, pain, suffering, famine, war, death, and a host of other "maladies" that threaten our well-being, safety, comfort, and our lives. For some people this reality is too painful and they hide in their homes, afraid to venture forth much past their front doors. Parents are concerned when their children are driving on the roads, especially if they're new drivers. A random shot fired in the night, for no apparent reason, barely finds the inside edge of a window and kills a 46-year old woman in her own home and injures a family member. A child on a school playground during recess on a school day, perhaps a thousand yards away from an altercation, is hit by a bullet fired in anger. And, it seems, each day another group of people are killed by acts of war or terrorism somewhere in the world.

With all the violence, pain, suffering, and death that are out in the world around us, it's a wonder that more people don't just stay home. In many of the central cities of the nation, fear is a constant companion of children, parents, and other residents. Violent crimes are a staple of many such communities, but they aren't totally alone. Many of the suburbs are also showing increases in violent crimes, many associated with drug dealings and unfettered rage and anger at other people - "road rage" comes to mind.

So how do we, as God's people, redeemed in Jesus Christ, respond to such fear, danger, and uncertainty? Our Lord Jesus Christ often started His teaching by saying, "Don't be afraid." He always goes on to show us that, no matter the trouble and danger we might face in our lives, we are held in the very palm of God's hand and nothing can separate us from His love. Regardless of the challenges we might face today or tomorrow or the next day, or month, or year, or in our lifetimes He assures us that He is always with us and encourages us: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you and You will honor Me" (Ps. 50:15). Peter reminds us to "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7).

Today is another Monday. It's the beginning of another "work week." As we venture forth on our various activities of life, sustained by the Word of God and filled with the hope of His promises to us in Jesus Christ, we do so with a glad heart, unafraid of the challenges ahead of us. We stand firm in Jesus' love, comforted by His grace and mercy, and assured by His forgiveness that we are His very own people. He is our "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1)

Prayer: Father, it's very easy to grow despondent with each piece of "bad news" read or heard in the news media. So often the "bad news" overwhelms the "good news." Free my heart and spirit so that I might not be overwhelmed by the "bad news" that occurs every day, nor stand in fear of what "might happen to me," in daily living. Rather, Father, help me to be always ready to be called home into Your eternal presence. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, keep me also ready to face any trial, any trouble, any pain, and any sorrow, knowing that You are with me and hold me in the very palm of Your hand. Let my life be a living testimony to the hope, peace, joy, and love You offer to everyone in Christ Jesus, so they, too, might not be afraid of living - for life is a precious gift from You. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck.

Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.