Where Are You Looking For Strength?

By: Gary L. Hutchens

Psalm 46:1-3  “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling."

   To what source are you looking for strength and deliverance in this difficult, challenging time?  Are you relying on your own strength?  Illustration of being in a hospital bed…
You alone cannot fix this situation, you cannot come up with a cure, you cannot make everybody else well, you cannot defeat the virus.  But God can!
 
Psalm 62:5-8 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
   Where do you go for refuge?  Where do you go for peace and comfort?  Living in near isolation, some people find themselves slipping into depression.  Some try to find comfort in excessive use of alcohol or drugs.  Some people live in irrational fear and panic and, as a result, become short-tempered and possibly violent.  But none of those sources truly deliver a person for their fear.  But God can!
 
Psalm 145:17-18 “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.  The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”
   In this time when we cannot be around most of the people in whom we find comfort and companionship, where are you going for a meaningful, reassuring relationship?  Just being in the presences of people we love brings reassurance and encouragement.  But right now they may not be able to be there with you.  But God Can be!
 
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
   It’s easy, perhaps natural, at a time like this to feel helpless to be able to make things better, much less to be able to fix things.  But God can!
 
   Jesus is calling you to come to Him for refuge, strength, peace, calm, companionship, deliverance, resrt: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)
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