God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Life can come at us unexpectedly sometimes. Every day has the potential to bring us something good or bad, something shocking or pleasant. That's just the way life is: unpredictable. During the difficult times, we may find our hearts longing for strength, consolation, and encouragement.
Sometimes we forget that God loves and cares for us. He takes on the responsibility for our security. King David remembered this in his own life. He put his trust in the providence of God. Today's text for our devotion captures David's thoughts wonderfully. God is our refuge. He protects us from all our enemies.
Martin Luther, the famous fifteenth-century church reformer, wrote a beautiful hymn: "A Mighty Fortress is our God." Luther and his friends took great strength from Psalm 46. Whenever they encountered challenges in their lives, they would sing this hymn to remind them of the strength God provides to face and conquer these challenges.
In the 21st century, there are many things that can threaten and unsettle us-unemployment, financial pressures, marital and family crises, substance abuse issues, and health concerns-to name a few. Even our closest personal relationships can turn sour and dishearten us. There is one thing in this world we can count on, however. And that is the love of God given to us in Christ Jesus. Our Savior loved us so much that He laid down His life to save us from the power of sin, Satan, and eternal death. He is our refuge; He is our strength.
THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, remind me the weight of my burdens is not too much for You to handle. In fact, it is Your desire that I bring these concerns to You. Just as You showed Abraham and Moses, David and Solomon, and Peter and Paul-so, too, remind us today: You are an ever-present help in times of trouble. Bless You, Lord. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Rev. C. David has been the director of LHM-India since 2003; he has worked with LHM-India since 1994. He has a theology degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, India and a divinity degree from Tamil Nadu Theological College in Madurai, India.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 109-110,138 John 16
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