Reclaiming the Truth
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in our time of trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though it’s waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble its tumult. Selah” Psalm 46.1-3 (NSRV)
Redeeming the Time
There was no fear in the Garden. There was only peace. Fear happens because of brokenness. When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid. It happened like this.
But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Fear is a primary response in our world. Fear comes. It happens, and it’s okay. What’s not okay is to be motivated by fear or paralyzed by fear. We “fear not” because our God is “with us.” The central promise of the Bible is that God is with us. When fear comes, and it will come, let’s remind ourselves and each other our God is with us. Our God is here.
Jesus said “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6.25-34
Just before Jesus ascends to heaven to be with His Father, He encourages His little band of world changers with one last truth, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28.18)
Let’s fear not and worry not. Our God is with us.
Reflection
- How are you really feeling about all that is going on in our world?
- If you feel fear, what are you afraid of?
- How do you need God to be your refuge and strength today?
Resting in His Redemption
Today we’ll pray along with Mark Roberts. Rest and receive – His presence is with you.
Gracious God, today I am profoundly aware of how much I need you. And I am profoundly grateful for the fact that you are there for me. You are not just available, but very present, a very present help in trouble. Thank you!
Fear seems to be everywhere right now, Lord: fear of disease, fear of death, fear of other people, fear of disruption, fear of economic ruin, fear of the loss of life as we know it. Without you, fear may well make sense. But if you are our refuge and strength, if you are our very present help, then we will not let fear overwhelm us. O Lord, may the truth of who you are keep our hearts from fear.
Today, Lord, we pray for leaders in business and government, in schools and churches, in families and neighborhoods. May they turn to you for strength and wisdom. May they have the courage to make difficult decisions for the sake of those they serve.
I pray especially for those who will read this devotion, that you might make yourself known to them right now. May they be reassured that you are their refuge and strength, that you are with them in this time of crisis, and forever. Guide them in their decisions. Help them to see what they need to see and bless them with your peace. Amen.
