Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Pastor's Ponderings, June 22, 2021

Discouraged? Take Courage in God


Dunkirk is a small town on the coast of France that was the scene of a massive military campaign during World War II from May 26 to June 4, 1940. According to the website History.Com, 338,000 British Expeditionary Force and other Allied troops were freed from Dunkirk to England as German forces closed in on them. The massive operation, involving hundreds of naval and civilian vessels, served as a turning point for the Allied war effort. This effort lived up to its name as the Miracle of Dunkirk.

 

Many of us feel like the trapped soldiers at the end of May 1940.  We may feel like the enemy is attacking us on all sides and all hope is gone.  Yet the Bible would have us know that God is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).  When King David had been defeated in battle and his loyal soldiers discussed killing him, he found strength in the Lord (Samuel 30:6).  When Paul found himself in trouble, he did not despair or feel destroyed because he knew God had not abandoned him (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9).

 

Many of us are daily faced with classism, racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, and various isms and allow ourselves to be disheartened, downcast, or dispirited.  Those who love the Lord don’t have to be discouraged but we can put our hope and trust in God (Psalm 33:20-22). Let us not allow our life challenges to overcome us since Jesus has already won the war we face (John 16:33). Our encouragement is in our God who is bigger than our challenges.

 

Psalm 46:1

New International Version

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

 

Samuel 30:6

New International Version

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

 

2 Corinthians 4:8, 9

Amplified Bible

8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;
9 hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed

 

Psalm 33:20-22

New International Version

20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

 

John 16:33

New International Version

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

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