Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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God - Our Refuge and Strength
Psalms 46: 1-5
Vs.1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble".
On September 11th, 2001 when that darkest hour struck us, an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and anxiety went through everyone. As a country, we lost our iconic World Trade Center (WTC) that represented our financial dominance. It was destroyed in front of our eyes in matter of minutes to ashes; with it, the lives of many loved ones and friends. Fear of the unknown was in everyone’s mind including our top-level leaders. As a nation, we were under attack.
9/11 was a true test of our patriotism. As a nation, we gathered under the cross to pray for our nation and the safety of our people. Regardless of the diverse demography, all our prayers echoed the same as one nation under God. As a result of that incident our nation went to war, and many of our brave soldiers responded to the call of duty to protect and serve our nation. Our prayers were extended to the safety of those who went harm’s way to protect our way of life. As time progressed, wounds were healed and a new icon replaced the old. Sixteen years since the incident, it still has a strong influence on how it changed our lives forever. During these troubles, we are blessed to have an assurance that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. Our faith in His words should be sufficient enough to get us through any troubles that we may face. The assurance that we receive from God is the only measure of safety in which we can conveniently seek shelter. 
As an individual or as a group, we may go through situations that rattle our normal life. It may leave us with the feeling of uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Seeking refuge in God during these times will provide us with the strength necessary to overcome any troubles in our life. Often times when we are faced with situations that trouble us, our first reaction is to find a resolution for it on our own. We forget to cast our burden on God who is willing and able to resolve it much better than we ever can. Regardless of the situation, seeking refuge in God will provide us with the strength and protection we need to face any trouble in our life.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for your grace and mercy that you have showered upon us. Please help us to seek refuge in you during our troubles by casting our burden on you. Thank you for protecting and keeping us safe. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them.” Charles West
George Abraham, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, Merrick, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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