Friday June 23, 2023

Today is Friday, June 23 and we are studying what the Bible says about God our Help.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I slow my breathing and focus myself on the God who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, guide me on this pilgrim journey. Make me attentive to your ways, teach me your will, strengthen my steps and lift my spirits as I travel this day with you. Amen.

I turn to God my stronghold and praise him with the words of Psalm 37.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37:39-40

Pause and Pray

The Old Testament book of Second Samuel closes with a song written by David. This is a song of praise lifted to God in utter joy for delivering David from calamity. The end seemed near for David and he could see no way out of his predicament. His life was nearly lost and he was without recourse. Saul and other enemies threatened to find him and violently kill him. He turns to the One he knows is committed to his well-being – Yahweh. He is the God of rescue, deliverance and salvation. He is the God who saves.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior. The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:1-3a,5-7

David had many enemies who threatened him. He could see no way out of his circumstances and in despair he turned to God for help. His life suddenly and inexplicably was given back to him. He could never have imagined this turn of events and he praises God for his good fortune. God is David’s rock, fortress and deliverer. God is his stronghold, refuge and savior. God is mine too. When life overwhelms me, when I am in distress, when I am weak or troubled, when I am uncertain where to turn, I call on God, my Lord and Savior.

Ask: How has God been my rock, refuge and fortress in the past? How can I turn to him today for help?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, you are my rock, you are my fortress, you are my deliverer. God, it is in you that I take refuge. You are the shield that protects me from harm. You are my stronghold. You are my haven, a fortress in which I find safety and peace. Lord, you are my savior and rescuer. When I feel overwhelmed or entangled I call to you and know you hear my prayers. I read the words from 2 Samuel again and listen for the message you have for me.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior. The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:1-3a,5-7

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the words that stand out to me from David’s beautiful song. What is causing me distress or making me feel overwhelmed today? What might the “waves of death,” “torrents of destruction,” “cords of the grave,” or “snares of death” represent for me? Who or what would I list as my enemies? From what might I need to be delivered? How is God my Rock? When is God my fortress? My savior and deliverer? How can I find refuge in God today?

Pause and Pray

Come mighty Lord, You are the Rock of Ages cleft for me. Come to my help and aid. Deliver me from whatever overwhelms my life. Show me that safe place where I can go and be held in your loving arms. Let me dwell in the shadow of your wings and be nestled in the fortress of your love. Amen.

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Psalm 18:46
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:7

I leave this time of prayer confident in God, my Rock and fortress. I go to love and serve others in his name.

Amen