Weekly Devotional
Week of Monday, January 18, 2020
Opening Prayer (from Occasional, BCP 2019)
O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.
Bible Reading – Psalm 46:1-7
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. (ESV)
Devotional – Help in Times of Trouble
When the world seems to be spinning out of control or personal struggles become overwhelming, we can become easily discouraged. We are living in one of those seasons of life right now. There is so much uncertainty raging around us. If you are at all like me you have had your moments over the past few weeks of feeling discouraged, fearful, and even sorrowful. What is happening in our country? What has happened to our world?
It is at times like these that I find Psalm 46 to be a wonderful source of comfort and courage. King David reminds us that our refuge and strength do not reside in the kingdoms of men, but rather in the Almighty God of all creation. He is our source of help in the midst of life’s great troubles. When God is our refuge, strength, and helper we have nothing to fear. Everything in life can fall apart, but the author of life itself continues to protect us, giving us the strength we need, and helping us through all our troubles.
No matter how bad things may seem God is with us. David proclaimed. “God is in the midst of her and she cannot be moved.” Because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God is with us no matter what. God sent His one and only Son into the world to save us. After His death and resurrection, and before His ascension, Jesus made a promise. His promise to all His followers was that He would never leave them or forsake them.
Friends things are difficult in our country and in the world right now. I am certain that you are facing challenging times in your personal life as well. Know that you are not alone. God is with you, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is guarding you, giving you the strength you need to face the day, and offering the help you need to face all your troubles. Take heart, His Kingdom cannot be shaken.
Closing Prayer (from Occasional Prayers, BCP 2019)
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.