This month, as no place in this world can be secure, we are reflecting on how to deal with a world in distress and to prepare ourselves for the eventuality of disaster in our lives. This second reflection teaches us that when we face trials and tribulation, we can navigate through them if we are looking to the right person:

IN WORD What does it mean to take refuge in God? It means to have faith that what He says is true; He will deliver those who call on Him. It means to appeal to Him in times of trouble; prayer is a powerful resource. But most of all, it means that we decide not to take refuge in ourselves, in others, in worldly wisdom, or in human strategies. We take refuge in Him, and Him alone.
What do you do when you’re in trouble? If you’re like most believers, you figure out a strategy and ask God to bless it. In His mercy, He may. But He calls us to a better way. When God tells us He is our refuge, He asks us to forsake our former allegiance to other sources of protection. Are you sick? First acknowledge that no medical treatment will work unless God is the Healer behind it. Are you in conflict with someone else? First acknowledge that no words of yours will change another’s heart unless God is the agent of change. Are you in financial distress? First acknowledge that no amount of income will help unless God is the source. And having acknowledged all of this, look to Him constantly.
Follow His instructions for action, but know first that your action is God-directed and not a futile means of self-help. God is a Deliverer for those who recognize how helpless and vulnerable they are. He is not a Deliverer for those who try to add Him to their own self-effort.
IN DEED “God helps those who help themselves” is a catchy saying, but it is not biblical. Rather, God helps those who know how helpless they are and who appeal to Him—on His terms—for deliverance. That’s not quite as catchy, but it’s true. Those who want God to be their stronghold in times of trouble must actually depend on God as their stronghold. The deliverance is His, and His alone. “Dear Lord, although I am sure of my position, I am unable to sustain it without You. Help me or I am lost.” – Martin Luther (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

The reflection challenges us to trust in God as our first resort rather than our last resort. We pray first, not when all other options have been exhausted. Take time to reflect on Psalm 37 (can split into two days) - 41 this week, and learn how the psalmist trusts in the Lord, then steel yourself to respond in faith when you face trials in the future. Have a blessed week, knowing God cares and is watching over you! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam