Sunday Meditation, June 14
God, Our Refuge
Scripture for Meditation: Psalm 46:1-3
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.
Hymn of Refuge: A Mighty Fortress
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure:
One little word shall fell him.That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.Words and music by Martin Luther, 1483-1546, alt. tune
Translation by Frederick H. Hedge, 1805-1890
Prayer of Blessing
Responsive Reading: Psalm 46:4-11
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.
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.
Hymn of Refuge: Jesus, Strong and Kind
Jesus said that if I thirst
I should come to him;
No one else can satisfy.
I should come to him.Jesus said if I am weak
I should come to him;
No one else can be my strength.
I should come to him.Chorus:
For the Lord is good and faithful;
He will keep us day and night.
We can always run to Jesus,
Jesus, strong and kind.Jesus said that if I fear
I should come to him;
No one else can be my shield.
I should come to him.Chorus
Jesus said if I am lost
He will come to me,
And he showed me on that cross
He will come to me.Chorus 2x:
Jesus, strong and kind.Words and music by Colin Buchanan, Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, & Rich Thompson.
© 2019 CityAlight Music. All rights reserved. Used by permission. CCLI #2783020
Prayer of Corporate Confession
Silence for Personal Confession
Assurance of Pardon: John 10:29
My Father, who has given [you] to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [you] out of the Father's hand.
Response: Thanks be to God.
Hymn of Refuge: There Was a Garden, Green and Fair
Ministry of the Word
*All Scripture, English Standard Version. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission.