Lenten Devotion for Thursday, February 18

Today's lessons:

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Exodus 5:10-23

Acts 7:30-34

Author:

DiAnne Beynon, member, Alpine Lutheran Church, Rockford, NI Synod Council, NI Synod World Hunger sub-committee; retired public school special education administrator and speech pathologist; currently part-time speech pathologist and support specialist at Alpine Academy in Rockford.

Theme verses:

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." Psalm 91: 1-2

Meditation:

Trust---trust that God will see us through any situation, that he will be with us no matter what.

The hymn based on Psalm 91, "You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord (On Eagle's Wings)" is often played at funerals, a time when we seek comfort from God.

There are times, however, when we wonder why God's help isn't coming, why we are suffering. Where is our God?

Moses and the Israelites lived through many trials, both in and out of Egypt. Jesus on the cross cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Where was God?

A side note to Psalm 91 in the Lutheran Study Bible comments, "These poetic images should not be used to suggest that believers will not face the consequences of risky actions, or that Christians are immune from all evil."

God was with Moses and the Israelites. God was there at the cross. Just as there are times when all we can do for loved ones in trouble is be there, we need to remember that God is with us in any time of trouble. He is there to give us support, to give us strength, and He will see us through the snares of life until we get to the eternal life He has promised.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, when I am bold, give me support. When evil befalls me, give me strength. Help me feel your presence when the terror of the night and the arrows of the day come upon me. You are my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. Amen