Day 2

coming to the rescue

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.[a] A Song.

46 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[b] help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Car accidents happen. Blazing fires destroy homes and hundreds of dry acres in a matter of minutes, leaving behind charred rubble. Weapons or human hands violently assault individuals on city streets or tragically in three-bed-room homes. Residing in an imperfect, fractured world causes us to realize that due to sin, humanity and creation have fallen. Our frail, perishable tents, called a body, can malfunction, break, or die. It doesn't take too many unpeaceful tragedies to realize that our world is imperfect.

Providing a sense of calm, First Responders leave the security of their homes and families to assist and aid those in need or crisis. They offer strength when others seem weak. They offer comfort when fear invades our situations and our lives. Today, we are thankful for those men and women who selflessly and sacrificially respond when things go awry, putting their lives, emotions, and hearts on the line.

In emergencies or times of trouble, let us not forget that God is a great First Responder. Call out to Him because He hears and is willing to enter the situation (James 5:13). In the midst of the chaos, God doesn't respond and abandon; He abides and stays. He walks with us through the fiery furnace. When our faith has diminished, He stands up within us and calls us to be strong and courageous, knowing that His presence in our lives is greater than our circumstances. He is our Fortress, our Shield, our Protector, our Rescue. We can find shelter under the shadow of His mighty wing (Psalm 91:4).

Application: Pray for our community's First Responders, thanking God for them and praying for protection over them and their families. Perhaps when you see someone in uniform, tell them that you are thankful for them and are praying for them. When you are in need of rescue or help, go to your Father.

Written By: John Hogan