[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 23/Jul/2018]
A recent visiting speaker to Thursday Group having heard that Barbara and I were giving up as leaders, sent a message kindly wishing us well for our “retirement”. I always associate retirement with giving up work, whereas having led regular Bible studies for several years on Thursdays, and many years before that in Edenbridge, has been a joy and a privilege. It will be sad to have to take more of a back seat, which I shall do once I have had a “sabbatical” until the end of the year. Our last get together for this session was our enjoyable annual garden lunch, which was blessed by the fine weather and excellent food and fellowship.
A couple of days later, the reality of the situation hit me and I felt really low. A friend at church had given us a calendar with daily devotions, and the words for that day lifted me up. I’m repeating them in case you need encouraging too.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)
Nahum whose name means “comfort” or “consolation” brought hope and comfort to the hearts of God’s people. He gave them the following three-fold assurance: “The Lord is good.” His character cannot change toward you and me. He is “a stronghold [or refuge] in the day of trouble.” Rest in your impregnable fortress for divine protection. “He knows them that trust [or find shelter, refuge] in him.” Find comfort in His omniscience [His knowing all about you], knowing, “He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Weary one, no matter how difficult the day may be, “the Lord is good” and He is still your stronghold.
I found a Friend; O such a Friend! So kind, and true, and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide, so mighty a Defender.
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Contributed by Michael Goble; © the Author
