2020 Daily Devotion - Day 44

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Throughout history there are a great many stories of people going through challenges. History is also filled with stories of those who did not allow the struggles to overtake them. One such story is of Martin Luther. He was a young monk in the 16th century and felt the church of his day was not teaching what was truly in the scriptures. He engaged the church in debate, however, this was not well received and there were those who not only wanted to remove him from the church, but do him bodily harm as well. From where did he get his strength? One of the most important places was the Word of God; the Bible. For example, He found strength in Psalm 46.

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire! “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

In 1529, Luther was so inspired by these words that he used them to write a hymn. It is a hymn that has been called “The Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” Look at how the words of the hymn are based on Psalm 46. But more importantly, it was the words of Psalm 46 which gave Luther strength; to know God is our “refuge and strength” and we cannot rely upon our own strength. We have it all in God’s strength.

“A Mighty Fortress is our God” by Martin Luther

1.    A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

2.    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 Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that You are our “refuge and strength”. Help us to cling to this truth every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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