Title
When Trouble Comes
Scripture
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
(Psalm 46:1)
Devotional
I do not think there is anything that draws mankind closer to Christ than when trouble comes. The hardest of hearts will soften and begin to hope in God when life hurts. Proverbs says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Because God sent His Son to redeem fallen man, we have in Christ both a friend and a brother. When trouble comes, we have a refuge, a place to go. When trouble comes we have a strength available, and when trouble comes we have an ever-present help. No matter how terrible the trouble, we have a place to go for help. Our text says that we can go to God when trouble comes; why not go to Him before trouble comes? Why not make Christ your daily refuge and strength? Why not seek His help in every realm of your life?
Thought For The Night
“The life of thankfulness—biblically speaking—is lived in view of the hard things of existence. As the life of thanksgiving deepens, we discover that the more mature prayers of thanksgiving are not those offered for the obvious blessings, but those spoken in gratitude for obstacles overcome, for insights gained, for lessons learned, for increased humility, for help received in time of need, for strength to persevere, for opportunities to serve others.” Fleming Rutledge, Episcopal pastor, Diocese of New York, The Bible and The New York Times.
Evening Text
Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Looking for Answers
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Is not God to be our refuge and strength in the good times as well s in troubled times?
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When do you most recognize Him to be your refuge and strength?
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When have you most needed His “refuge and strength?”
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Refuge” literally means a shelter from danger. “Strength” means a fortress.
Referencing: “In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God,” Psalm 62:7.
Applying: Be assured, as the old hymn goes, “Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm. ...” Text: Vernon J. Charlesworth, Music: Ira D. Sankey.