LBW# 534, "Now Thank We All Our God"
Devotion
Oh, may this bounteous God, through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all harm in this world and the next. (v.2)
Martin Rinkart was in the middle of the 30 Year War and a terrible plague in the walled city of Eilenberg, Germany. In 1637, being the only pastor, Rinkart conducted funerals for 5,000 residents, including that of his wife. Yet, he penned the words to this favorite hymn.
Who do you turn to in terrible times? How easy it is to blame God and turn from Him when life goes wrong. How much harder it is to turn to God when we experience terrible times. I pray that we all, with Martin, hold to our faith in a loving God, who is with us always.
Prayer
Be our strength, be our light and be with us always, dear Lord. Amen.