God is Our Refuge and Strength

September, 2001

Psalm 46

Three vital words to the people of God in a time of crisis:

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU

Text, also Isaiah 41:10 - It is all right to want comfort, to seek sanctuary, to confess we are afraid. God's people have His promise: "I AM with you!" Not one cry goes unheard. We may not know the answers- in fact we probably don't even know the proper questions. But if we will stop, and pray and listen, and wait we will find God is already HERE, waiting to be our strength, our assurance. NOTHING can separate us from His love.

RELEASE GOD'S POWER IN INTERCESSORY PRAYER

One mystery we do not appreciate is how God limits Himself in some situations according to the extent of His people's prayers. "You have not because you ask not!" In ways we can but dimly see, good and evil are engaged, and God's people can make a difference with their prayers.

Clearly the forces of darkness would stifle any serious call to turn to Almighty God. But God's people can pray that heaven's powers will be released in ways that will glorify God and turn many people's hearts to Him. We have a president who is a born again Christian and the media for the most part make him out to be a fool. Hold up his hands in prayer. Join with people of faith in confessing our nation's need of God, and in praying for spiritual awakening.

REPORT FOR PERSONAL DUTY, ONE-ON-ONE

Ask God now, today, to fill you with His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), not just so you will feel good, or not even so you will personally benefit (as you certainly will!), but in order that you can reflect (re-present) a God of love to your next door neighbors, your fellow students, your co-workers who will certainly be feeling the same fears and questions you have felt, but without the assurance that you have in Jesus.

Don't spout wisdom- don't try to be a prophet and say how this all "fits into Daniel or Revelation." Just say "God is good!" Say it with words if necessary, but ask God to help you say it with love and compassion.

Pray WITH your neighbors if the Lord opens the way.