Psalms for Lent 2013 (1)

We observe the Season of Lent in order to prepare our hearts and minds for the Easter celebration of the victory of the risen Lord.   An important part of this preparation is to, through a closer walk with God, renew our relationship with the Lord, for only then will be able to experience the life changing experience which is Easter  and will we be able to proclaim with the world wide church:  The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed.   To encourage our meditation on what it means to have a closer walk with the Lord, we will during this time share in the thoughts of the Psalms, for they are the faith expressions of believers who relied on God’s presence in every kind of circumstance.

Psalms for Lent 2013 (1)

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16:  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."

For the people living in the Middle East the idea of a rocky shelter, like a shallow cave or overhang on the mountainside to protect one from the hot sun or from malicious enemies, would have been well known. But unlike a rock shelter that can eventually be overrun if attacked with enough force, the Psalmist declares that God cannot be overtaken by anything we may encounter. The idea of God providing refuge, and of God being our refuge, is a great comfort when his people feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life.

The psalmist shares with us how the life of faith works. Regarding the LORD as your personal refuge is a decision to place your life in the hands of God, because God’s protection cannot be overcome by the stresses and tensions of life.

God’s protection is discovered in relationship. God’s commitment to those who are in relationship with him is certain and he will provide answers when nobody else can. God will be with us when we are in trouble. He may not always make the problem to go away. But he will deliver us as we faithfully put our trust in him.  The refuge that is found in God alone will sustain people even when body, emotions and relationships take strain.  When God is our refuge nothing will harm our relationship with the Lord that provides the support, inner strength and unfailing faith to endure the trials of life.

God’s presence during a challenging hour is a refuge.  God is our rock shelter of hope in the darkest day.  During the Lenten Season we focus on seeking a closer walk with the Lord.  Cynics may ask us – Why and what’s the point of this effort?

The answer to the cynic’s questioning of our disciplined seeking of the face of the Lord, is that those who choose God as their refuge will hear the firm promise of Psalm 91: 15 – 16.

When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them.   With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

May the Lord be your refuge and your strength! May the Lord be with you in Christ Jesus, through the loving fellowship of the Holy Spirit.