The Lord is Our Refuge – November 14, 2020

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

The Lord is Our Refuge

“Christianity is a crutch for the weak.”

This is the atheist’s argument against putting one’s faith in the God of the Bible. They argue that anyone who depends on anything other than themselves is feeble.

Medically speaking, a crutch is a tool the injured use for support. Only the wounded need crutches. But here’s the thing: somehow, someway, we are all wounded. We all need help. Some just choose crutches other than Christianity.

When we don’t feel good about ourselves, where do we turn for assurance? We have enough options to choose from: earthly goods, food, alcohol, drugs, money, work. The problem with many such crutches is that they offer only temporary reprieve and often only mask much deeper issues of the heart.

The heart of the issue is that we are all sinners in desperate need of saving. And the only one who has the power to help us is Jesus Christ. He took up our infirmities. He carried our sorrows. And by his wounds, we are healed.

God graciously allows us to go through hardship so that we seek the only one who can help. When we seek Jesus in our struggles, he finds us in his Word.

You say, “I’m too tired.” … Jesus says, “I will give you rest.”
You say, “I’m all alone.” … Jesus says, “I am with you always.”
You say, “I don’t know where to turn.” … Jesus says, “I am the way.”
You say, “I’ve had enough.” … Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
You say, “I’m afraid.” … Jesus says, “My peace I give you.”
You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” … Jesus says, “I forgive you.”
You say, “I have my doubts.” … Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will never be put to shame.”

One famous Christian named Saint Augustine, reacting to the sufficiency of Jesus, observed, “Lord, you created us for yourself. And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

What was his point? Nothing satisfies like Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
God, you are my refuge and my strength, a helper who can always be found in time of trouble. I gladly count on you as my crutch. Amen.