Saturday prior to Lent 1

 

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Psalm 46– Tomorrow’s hymn of the week is LSB #656 “A Mighty Fortress” This Psalm is a triumphant confession of fearless trust in God, though the continents break up and sink beneath the resurging waters of the seas – though the creation itself may seem to become uncreated and all may appear to be going down before the onslaught of the primeval deep.  In verses 4-6, we have a description of blessed Zion – a comforting declaration of God’s mighty, sustaining presence in His city.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

This Psalm celebrates the praises of Immanuel (God with us). The people of Judah were vividly aware of God’s presence in their lives at this point; they had faith in Him for protection and provision. Oh that we too would fully grasp this wonderful truth, our safety and protection comes from God ALONE! Not from wealth, power or people, but only our Lord God. What a blessing!

So why do we fear?

Whenever we find ourselves in the grip of fear, we are not trusting in the power of God. This is where satan loves for us to be, he knows if we are paralyzed by fear we cannot be the effective witness for Jesus Christ that God calls us to be.

The devil is fully aware of our weaknesses and will try to attack us daily in those areas. But we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us to defeat satan every time he rears his ugly head.

 

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” ~ Romans 8:31

We certainly know that God is for us, He sent His only Son to die for us! God is a loving and perfect Parent and would never abandon His dearly loved children.

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” ~ Nahum 1:7

This Psalm has comforted thousands of God’s children in times of trouble, for it is not just words on a page such as we find in poetry; it is a promise found in the living word of God! This is a promise that we can cling to for support and endurance through unpleasant or even tragic circumstances that come about in our lives.

A Mighty Fortress is our God! When we abide in Him all that would distress us melts away, and the perfect peace that only He can provide comes into our hearts and gives us the strength to go on for Him! What a glorious position we have through Christ who has made us sons and daughters of God, and bestowed on us the peace that passes understanding.

Oh yes, God certainly is our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble!

Thank You Father God for Your wonderful peace in troubled times. Thank You for Your precious Word that provides me with encouragement to live this life for You, help me to obey your Word as I go through this day for Your glory, Amen.[2]

Collect for Saturday after Ash Wednesday: Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3] -25 February 2023

 

 

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[1] Woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for
his book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
[2] https://reflectionsintheword.org/2012/08/29/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god
[3] Collect for Saturday after Ash Wednesday, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY