Reading: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1 

Thought: Nothing will come into my life but God will be with me to face it.

Meditation: Whatever this year holds for me as a child of the living God, I do not face it alone. God does not send me out with some sort of remote control over my affairs; He is God with us. I may feel alone, friends may misunderstand me or forget me, others may forsake me, but He has promised never to leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). The way ahead may be shrouded in thick darkness and the sense of abandonment may threaten to overcome me, but He will be a refuge (Psalm 91:6,9).

This year may be filled with unexpected twists and turns, it may be rough at times, but He can make the crooked place straight (Isaiah 45:9) and He can smooth out the rough places. He can remove the most obstinate obstacles.

When I am weary, He will refresh me. When I can’t go on, or the way is too rough or too dark, I can trust His grace to carry me through (Isaiah 40:11). I have trusted Him with my life, including the unknown future. I can recline on Him and rest and, paradoxically, I can have peace in the midst of the storm that surpasses my comprehension (Philippians 4:7).

His oath, His covenant, His blood, 
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

 

This “thought” is taken from the outline of a message preached by pastor Habib Sakr at Grace Chapel, Markham (31st December 2016).