“A Mighty Fortress is our God / a Bulwark never failing: / our Helper He amid the flood / of mortal ills prevailing.” (Martin Luther, 1483-1546)

I had the opportunity to video worship at two churches (Muncy Baptist and Good News Lutheran Brethren, McAlisterville, Pa.). I commend both Pastor Robert Rice and Pastor Michael Edwards for their leadership and Gospel orientated messages that bring comfort to the weary soul. It is wonderful to know them both!

God Our Refuge Psalm 46 ?For the choir director. A song of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.?? God is our refuge and strength,?a helper who is always found?in times of trouble.?Therefore we will not be afraid,?though the earth trembles?and the mountains topple?into the depths of the seas,?though its waters roar and foam?and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah?There is a river -?its streams delight the city of God,?the holy dwelling place of the Most High.?God is within her; she will not be toppled.?God will help her when the morning dawns.?The nations rage, kingdoms topple;?the earth melts when He lifts His voice.?The Lord of Hosts is with us;?the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah?Come, see the works of the Lord,?who brings devastation on the earth.?He makes wars cease throughout the earth.?He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;?He burns up the chariots.?”Stop your fighting – and know that I am God,?exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”?Yahweh of Hosts is with us;?the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

This psalm is a much-loved hymn of praise celebrating God’s deliverance. This psalm has deep relevance for today, particularly as we all experience our normal lives crumbling under the weight of Covid 19. The psalmist reminds us of the hope we have in God even during times of great distress. The Bible is clear-God alone is our refuge and strength, even in the time of destruction. He is not merely a temporary shelter, but an eternal sanctuary who can provide strength, no matter how traumatic the situation.

This psalm with the injunction to “stop fighting.” We do not have to fight with the devil, our fears, our anxieties. Why? God has delivered us in and through Jesus Christ and His resurrection. God has won and we can say, “this is most certainly true”. Our God is our stronghold. Selah means to pause-to rest. That is my advice for all of us TO REST IN THE DELIVERANCE OF GOD THE FATHER JESUS CHRIST THE SON and THE RENEWING POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Prayer for Today – Thank you God that You will deliver us from this time of isolation, fears, and uncertainty. I will claim that you have delivered me this day and proclaim You are my God!