21 Days of Prayer Conclusion: A People of Hope
On day three of our 21 Days of Prayer, Hurricane Harvey hit the shores of Texas. In the last week of our 21 days, Hurricane Irma left a path of destruction in the Caribbean, and on day nineteen, it hit the coastline of Florida. Earlier this week, the water and wind from this storm brought damage throughout many parts of the southeastern states. These storms first brought fear and anxiety to those in their paths, and as they pass, they leave trails of despair for many who have lost loved ones and seen their property damaged or destroyed. At the risk of sounding too simplistic, these difficulties are a part of our lives during our pilgrimage on earth. Bad and terrible things happen that are out of our control and even our understanding.
Today is the last devotional in our 21 Days of Prayer series focused on hope. I trust you have found insights and encouragement from the Lord through the writings of our Point family. But my hope and your hope does not stop today, nor does our determination to pray and fully discover the hope that is ours in Christ.
Throughout the centuries, people of faith have turned to Psalm 46 in times of trouble. Some church historians say that this psalm was Martin Luther’s favorite and constant source of strength as the early reformers faced attacks and discouragement. Take a moment a read this powerful psalm.
The psalmist begins with a clear and strong reminder for us in our moment of difficulty: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” After describing the surrounding destruction, the psalmist continues with this assurance: ” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Fortress.” Centuries later, another saint penned these inspired words in Hebrew 6:19: “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.”
We have a fortress and an anchor for our souls in Jesus. He is our reason for hope. He is the reason we will reach out and offer hope to others as we help each other rebuild after these destructive hurricanes that have left so much brokenness. He is the reason the church will always reach out to those in need. He is the reason we will always be a people of hope.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” -Psalms 46:1-11 ESV
Written by President Dean Collins