Tuesday, July 21, 2020

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
          
             “A mighty fortress is our God,
                        A bulwark never failing;
            Our helper he amid the flood
                        Of mortal ills prevaling. 
            For still our ancient foe doth 
                        seek to work us woe;
            His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
                        On earth is not his equal.

            Did we in our own strength confide,
                        our striving would be losing,
            Were not the right man on our side,
                        the man of God's own choosing.
            Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is he;
            Lord Sabbaoth, his name, from age to age the same,
                        And he must win the battle.

            And though this world, with devils filled,
                        should threaten to undo us,
            We will not fear, for God hath willed
                        his truth to triumph through us. 
            The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
            His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
                        One little word shall fell him.

            That word above all earthly powers,
                        No thanks to them, abideth;
            The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
                        thru him who with us sideth. 
            Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
            The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
                        HHis kingdom is forever.”
                   [--Martin Luther (1529), from The United Methodist Hymnal, #110] 

Though the words are old, they are as timeless as ever: God, and God alone, is the only source of true security and strength that will not let us down in life.  

So, in the midst of our global health crisis -- with all of its unknown consequences for our schools, businesses, churches, and life, in general -- what (more importantly, in WHOM) are you placing your ultimate trust?  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

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