Psalm 56 prays, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, Whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4). This is a nice sounding prayer, a prayer in which we as baptized children of God seek refuge in God in every time of fear. This prayer is in keeping with the 2nd commandment which says, "You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His Name, but call upon It in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks." In every time of trouble, in every terrifying moment, at the end of every anxious day, we should call on God and seek refuge, solace, and security in His Word that declares us His forgiven children forever.

However, if you are like me, you struggle with these prayers and in letting God be your refuge in every trouble. It's easy to doubt, worry, and stress. It's even easier to try to solve every trouble you have in life with your own reason, senses, or personal piety. It's easy to forget that God does have everything under control and He promises to take care of us. Remember what Jesus says in Matthew 6, "²⁸ And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." We are called not to be anxious, not to worry, and to have trust in God to provide for us. Jesus' words above bring great comfort with them, not because there is going to be a time when we don't worry, but rather that in our worry we can look to where God provides for us and receive comfort down to our very soul.

So, my friends, this is a little reminder that God loves you. Jesus loves you. He died for you, rose for you, baptizes you, communes you, and forgives you. In Baptism, Jesus marked you and destined you not for damnation, but for salvation forever with Him in heaven. May this be your comfort. Jesus doesn't lie, and He has promised to forgive you and tend to every need you have of both body and soul. In Jesus do we take refuge, because He is our refuge, our fortress, our assured safety against sin, death, world, and the power of the devil. What can flesh do to you? Nothing, for you are in Christ and a child of paradise.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew so that you hear only the voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I forgive you. I love you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull