Day 27: God is Our Refuge

by Rev Harry Goodhew AO former Anglican Archbishop

Intention
Jesus is Lord even in the middle of drought.

Scripture
I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 42:8

Reflection
Who speaks these words? It is God the Lord. He is “the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it”.

God the Lord is absolute sovereign over all. He is the creator of all that is. He is the sustainer of all that is, and He will bring his purposes to the ultimate end which He has determined.

Consequently, those who look to the Lord sing: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging”. Psalm 46

Isaiah 42 concerns The Servant of the Lord. As that Servant, our Lord Jesus, the Christ, came into the world to save sinners. In His risen glory he appeared to an imprisoned John and said, “‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1

Whatever happens, our calling is to wait, to watch, to pray, to work and to witness, for He will come to judge the living and the dead. Whatever the apparent weakness and frailty displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, God caused it to become the majesty, glory and power of the resurrection.

Prayer
O God, our Father, creator and sustainer of all that is, teach us to trust You in all circumstances. Give us a firm confidence in your Triune sovereignty. Have mercy on our country. Call many to yourself in repentance and faith.

Grant us, we pray, appropriate rain. Please guide and direct all those who are elected to govern the affairs of state in this country. May they act wisely and judiciously in all situations for the well-being of all. Enable your people to serve you and the people of Australia well.

Bless and guide those who exercise leadership in our churches that they may be faithful to you and your word. Enable those responsible for determining our external relations with other countries to be wise, prudent, and fair. May those who lead in commerce, industry, education and work relationships be well motivated to serve as well as to profit. Lord in your mercy hear our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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