Reflection:
Our world is full of evil. Horrible deeds wreak havoc and bring pain, despair, and grief. You, or someone you know and love, will have a story of the impact of trauma, violence, and conflict.
Psalm 34 speaks of the God who rescues and saves his people. His eyes are on those who have turned to him in trust, who have found forgiveness and refuge, and who now seek to live lives that are good and honourable. His ears are attentive to their cries. And we do cry. There is so much that happens in our world that makes us weep. ‘Lord help us!’ ‘How long O Lord!’
God hates evil. His face is turned against it. Through the work of great David’s greater son, our Lord Jesus Christ, he has conquered all that is contrary to his good purposes. A day is coming when evil will be completely obliterated. No memory or trace will remain.
For the moment, as the apostle Peter reminds us, we remain foreigners and exiles in this world (1 Peter 2:11). Like refugees, we are waiting to be re-housed in a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. God will reign supreme and death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more.
This is our hope and assurance. One day the perfect refuge will be ours.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you that your word tells us that you are good and a refuge in times of trouble. Thank you that you care for those who trust in you. But sometimes, we feel like strangers and refugees in this world that is fleeting and full of death, despair, tears and pain. God of all grace, I know that one day, I will join you in eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while. As I wait ‘a little while’, please keep me strong, firm and steadfast, and fill me with the joy of this hope. I know that nothing will take this from me. Amen.
Song:
“Head to Toe (The Armour of God Song)” by Christy Nockels