Tuesday 1^st April – Tuesday of the 4^th week of Lent

Reflection: Psalm 46

A HELPER CLOSE AT HAND

We live in a world full of different experiences, good and bad alike. Some of the difficulties we experience may be as a result of our own inadequacies, laziness or negligence while so many others are certainly no fault of ours. However, in the midst of the difficulties of life, we have an assurance we can hold on to: God is a refuge and strength for us. The Psalmist, speaking from his own experience reassures us today that God is a helper close at hand in time of distress.

As young Christians, we may be tempted to see our difficulties as insurmountable and our trials can easily overwhelm us. We must not give in to fear. If we simply hold on to God’s promise that He will be with us even when we pass through fire and through water (Isaiah 43: 2), we will have the peace that comes from God and eventually experience victory over those difficult situations.

Dear friend, what is that impossible situation that you are going through? What is that difficulty that is making you consider compromising your faith? Remember Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers and seduced by his master’s wife; remember Daniel’s three friends who were cast into the fiery furnace; remember Paul and Silas who were thrown into prison. Their trust in God paid off in the end.

Hold on to God in faith, call out to Him in prayer and commit yourself to obeying Him no matter how difficult it seems. Even if the earth should rock and the world seems upside down, God is there for you as a refuge. Be still and know that He is the supreme God (Psalm 46: 2, 10)

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for the assurance You give me today. Please help me to trust You absolutely and let my trust lead me to obey you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 476 – How did Jesus pray as He was facing his death?

When face to face with death, Jesus experienced the utmost depths of human fear. Yet He found the strength even at that hour to trust his heavenly Father: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what you will be done” (Mark 14:36)

HIDE A TREASURE: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 5: 1-3, 5-16