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"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."
(Psalm 46:1)
Last week, Damon West and I were talking on the phone about how every person we meet needs encouragement. Isn't that true? Even those who are not facing any crisis or trouble could use a word of affirmation. My favorite line in the movie, Wonder, is from the main character Auggie Pullman, a boy whose face is severely disfigured. Auggie experiences the harsh realities of his peers when he goes to grade school for the first time. He says in the movie, "Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle. And if you really want to see what people are, all you have to do is look."
I often receive requests for prayer from those who are hurting. What an honor it is to be able to lift in prayer those who are reaching out. One day last year in the height of the COVID crisis, I received two personal Facebook messages that just broke my heart. One friend shared with me how they are battling cancer, and the other shared how they are battling the twin towers of COVID-19 and depression. I cried over these messages. I feel so helpless at times, but I know I am not. Neither are you. We are never stronger than when we are down on our knees crying out to God for help, healing, and answers.
This will certainly fall under the category of "I never was taught this in seminary." There was no class offered when I went to school entitled, "Pastoring in a Pandemic." There is no way theological education can prepare you for all that you will encounter in ministry. Ministry can be extremely taxing and difficult, that is, if you care. And I care. I grieve over every hurt, and I likewise rejoice over every bit of good news. I am up high one minute and then in a valley hurting with another person in the next minute. Can any of my pastor buddies or counselor friends relate to this? One of my heroes in ministry, Dr. Jim Henry, told a group of pastors one day that we have to learn the art of compartmentalization. I know that is a big word, but it communicates a lot. He said we have to be able to move from one meeting or encounter that may be very hard and painful and go right into another meeting or situation that may be full of joy. The key is to turn it over to God and then move ahead.
Don't you just love Psalm 46? God is our refuge and strength. He is for us and with us right in our time of trial or need. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He loves us with an everlasting love. I love the part where it says God is "a very present help in trouble." He is not distant. I know God is transcendent and is so much higher and holier than we could ever imagine. However, He is imminent as well. He comes to us in our weaknesses and times of great need.
I don't know what all you are going through. You may be battling cancer, depression, addictions, anger, unforgiveness, COVID-19, or a host of other difficulties. Please know that God sees you and what you are going through, He cares, and He is for you. Though the waters roar, though trials wash over your soul in successive waves; no matter what, God is God. Let us praise Him for who He is, the God who saves, the God who delivers, the God who is indeed our refuge, strength, and help. Therefore, we do not fear!
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