By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
THEME: GOD’S THREE-POINT PLAN FOR HUMAN SURVIVAL
SCRIPTURE: Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”
REFLECTIONS
Almost everything critical to life around the world seems to have a downturn. There is a worldwide economic depression resulting in hardships, deepening poverty, and the mass influx of illegal migrants. The problem with climate change has become real and evident. We experience harsh weather, frequent destructive disasters, and deadly pandemics. Raging wars, kingdoms toppling kingdoms through insurrections, violence, and rampant uprisings are all scary stuff. Only God can intervene to change the narrative in a world experiencing conflicts, hatred, self-centeredness, pleasure-seeking, worldliness, and persistent reprisals.
God has graciously provided us with a three-point survival plan or mechanism by His desire to save, protect, and prosper. This three-point plan is captured clearly in Psalms 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” The plan works in your favor for anyone born into this world. First, you need a refuge – a place of safety (one of the greatest needs of humankind according to Abraham Maslow) – a citadel of protection and hope – and clearly, God is our refuge. Without a doubt, you need a sanctuary—a hiding place for your innocent self. God is our divine refuge; what else can we ask besides?
Second, you need strength to carry on with life. From birth to the grave, God is our strength. He gives the energy, motivation, counsel, guidance, and leadership to enable us to navigate through this tortuous journey of life. When we feel weak, He provides the strength to persevere. When we fail, He reinvigorates us with fresh strength. Third, in God, we have divine help. As our helper, God is constant, instant, supportive, and ever-ready to assist. His love and compassion alone give hope. God remains your refuge, strength, and divine Helper for the struggling, failing, chronically ill, and bereaved.
How can you survive this life without God as your refuge, strength, and divine help? To survive in today’s world without shelter, a source of strength, and help beyond yourself is a mirage. If God is your stronghold, the psalmist concludes in verses 2-3, “[2]Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3]Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.” In Christ, we have the confidence to face the challenges of life. We are destined for victory in Christ, for He has overcome the world for us (John 16:33).
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 532 – “Day by Day”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His provisions; thank Him for His divine help and security; pray to trust Him to be your refuge, strength, and help in any situation;
– Pray for individuals and families you know that are struggling with life, families that are mourning their loved ones, and healing for those with debilitating health challenges;
– Pray for family members, friends, and acquaintances who have not given their lives to Christ; pray for the homeless, the elderly, refugees, and victims of wars and disasters;
– Pray for the fear of God and peace in our homes, communities, nation, and neighboring countries; pray for the proclamation of the Gospel and Christ’s soon return.
