A STRONG TOWER
26th Jun 2024
Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
We have seen this verse come alive in many of our friends and family who have experienced loved ones dying and being promoted to glory. These are times when we are conscious that we need to be loving and supportive to those who are going through the grieving process.
However, what has been so impressive and encouraging is to see how these folk have found their strength and comfort in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “….we do not grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.” The fact is that as believers we have a Father who comes alongside His children with His healing and comfort.
Some years ago we were in Nigeria and heard an amazing testimony of a diplomat who was placed in very challenging circumstances. As he faced all his difficulties, the Lord reminded him of a song -
“Where could I go, oh, where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul,
Needing a friend to love me to the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?”
He shared how the song had directed his heart towards the Lord and how peace had been restored, and he had been given strength to come through the very difficult time.
I well remember Chrissie Chapman, our friend, who cared for orphan children in Burundi, telling of meeting a man in a refugee camp, who had lost all his family in the genocide, but who was able to testify, “When Jesus is all you have got, you realise Jesus is all you need.”
I am particularly conscious of those who have been recently bereaved, and have been so impressed by their strong faith in God to comfort and sustain. However, we all face challenges in our lives and we have a Father who is able to meet us at our point of need.
In Psalm 18:2 David declares, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
