Devotion
My Refuge, My Fortress
Frances Taylor
When we are in trouble, where do we turn? Is God our first thought? Do we really believe that God is our fortress, and our refuge? From the beginning Scripture tells us to trust in God. From Adam and Eve, we find human beings want to trust in themselves first. When we fail, then we turn to God. Ever wonder what it might be like to turn to God first? If we turn to God and place our trust in him, it would save us a lot of unnecessary anxiety. The key is trust. We need to trust that God knows best, that he is with us through whatever is going on, that our prayers are being heard. The difficulty is that we think we know what's best and we can get upset when God has other plans. We pray and don't like the answer, or don't want to wait for the answer.
I remember a story once told me about how we can miss God's answer because it wasn't the answer we wanted. A woman had to work to pay her bills and her mother got sick and needed full time care. She prayed and prayed that God would somehow take care of her problem. She couldn't continue to work and still be at home with her mother. Then her boss called her in and told her that business had slowed down and he needed to let her go temporarily but that she was such a good employee, he was willing to continue to pay her during this period. She went out of the office and complained to God that he had not answered her prayer but had made things worse. She never saw that she now had the money to pay her bills as well as the time her mother needed so that she could heal. God doesn't always do what we want, but he gives us what we need. When we put things in God's hands – and don't keep trying to take them back – we can relax knowing that all will be well.
Prayer
Lord, we say we trust in you but so often we get impatient and forget that you are there always at our side. Help us in our times of trial to hold on to that trust. Amen.
Morning Prayer
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; )
Inspiration
I must admit that in times of trouble I have demanded that God show me a sign, talk to me, anything to reinforce my faith in him. What an ego I have! We are blessed to be given the gift of life on earth and life everlasting. It is through his mercy that we have the opportunity to be saved at all. Seek this opportunity and ye shall find it.
Prayer
Father! My heart cries out to you for mercy! We are the clay, and you our potter and all of us are the work of Your hand. Our ancestors have praised you, and now it is our blessing to do the same. I pray that you will use me as a tool for good, and deliver me from sin. I wish to do all things in your holy name, as your son, Jesus Christ, did for us. In his name I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Inspiration
We become fearless amid earthly struggles because the Lord is on our side! The power of His name will frighten the enemy and strengthen our hearts to weather any storm. We have hope when faced with physical and spiritual dilemmas because the Lord is always present and willing to carry our burdens. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father grows stronger each day, and we will continue to lift our voices in praise for His amazing love.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we praise You for Your unfailing love. Thank you for Your eternal presence in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.