Advent For Those Grieving | No. 22
ADVENT DAY TWENTY TWO
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea...Psalm 46:1-2
He is your very present help
This Psalm is a reminder of God's gracious presence and strength when we walk through the darkness; when all that we know has come undone, when the bottom feels like it is falling away right beneath our feet, when we have no strength, when we need shelter from the storm, our God is there. Seeking us out, providing rescue from the storm, making us safe and secure in Him.
Our God is not a distant or disconnected God. He is near (very present!) and He is compassionate and He is working for His glory and our good.
Our God is our refuge (our shelter from the rain or storms or a danger) and strength, a very (exceedingly, greatly, much, force, abundance) present (to find, secure, acquire, get, to meet, encounter) help in trouble. And because He is a very present help, because He is our refuge and our strength, no matter what comes our way, we don't have to be afraid.
Martin Luther, inspired by this Psalm, wrote the following words in his hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God:
And though this world, with devils filled,Should threaten to undo us,We will not fear, for God hath willedHis truth to triumph through us:
Though this world should threaten to undo us, we will not fear because GOD. He has sought us out, He has brought us near, He is our strength when we have none.
the promise
He is our shelter from the storm, our strength when we are weak, our mighty fortress, our knowing, compassionate and empathetic Father.
prayer
Father, thank you for seeking me out when the storms rage. Thank you for coming to find me and for bringing me near; for bringing me into a safe place. Thank you for being my shelter and my strength when I have none. Father help me to trust you and to not be afraid.
