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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)
Happy birthday to our daughter, Hannah Samplaski! I sure do love you, and I am so proud of you!
Last week I received an email from a Texas A&M student that really blessed me. She shared with me how she and her roommates have been watching our online worship services at GHBC. Her dad is a deacon at our church, and they are such a solid family. They must be so proud of their daughter! Within the same time frame, I got 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 both COVID-19 and depression. I actually 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 was never taught this in seminary." Actually, 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 soaring up high one minute and then in a valley hurting with another person in the next minute. Can any of my pastor 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 situation that may be very hard and painful straight into another 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 immanent 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, He cares, and He is for you. Though the waters roar, though your presidential candidate may not have won the election, 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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