“Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode,” LBW 450
1 Who trusts in God, a strong abode
In heav'n and earth possesses;
who looks in love to Christ above,
No fear that heart oppresses.
In you alone, dear Lord, we own
Sweet hope and consolation,
Our shield from foes, our balm for woes,
Our great and sure salvation.
2 Though Satan's wrath beset our path
And worldly scorn assail us,
While you are near, we shall not fear;
Your strength will never fail us.
Your rod and staff will keep us safe
And guide our steps forever;
Nor shades of death nor hell beneath,
Our lives from you will sever.
3 In all the strife of mortal life
Our feet will stand securely;
Temptation's hour will lose its pow'r,
For you will guard us surely.
Our God, renew with heav'nly dew
Our body, soul and spirit,
Until we stand at your right hand
Through Jesus' saving merit.
Devotion
Who looks in love to Christ above, no fear that heart oppresses (v. 1). Does what I speak help or hinder, establish hope or dash it? Everyone who dares preach must ask that question, I often think.
The lay preacher who filled in for me occasionally was a total stranger. All I knew was that people in the parish liked him because he preached and led worship without any expectation of pay.
One Sunday, he came and heard me preach. He didn’t say much, but he left me a note: “Your people don't need another judge. They already have one.”
Okay. I guess he heard harsh judgment in my preaching. But I wondered whether his point was that God was their only legitimate judge or whether we already have the false judgments of Satan to contend with. Either way, can we agree that neither you nor I need an extra judge today?
Prayer
Lord God, we give you thanks for the promise of your rule over all creation, bringing us hope and strength to thank and serve you in every condition of life. In the worthy name of Christ our Lord, Amen.