Notes on Hope Devotional

Remembering 9/11

Psalm 46:1, 2
God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into
the heart of the sea…

Today’s verse is underlined in my Bible, with 9/11/2001 next to it. Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We all remember where we were when we heard the news and saw the horrific images on television.

Back when we had landlines, I received a dozen calls that morning checking in. A week prior, my daughter started her junior year of high school as a U.S. Congressional Page. She was in the basement of the Capitol when she was told to run. As she ran down the stairs, she saw the smoke from the crash at the Pentagon.

On that day, “the earth gave way” literally and figuratively. What once was secure was turned into rubble. What we knew to be safe was in ruins. Life had abruptly changed forever for those who died, those who lost loved ones, and those of us who observed.

Psalm 46 begins with “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This proclamation declares the ultimate confidence that the Psalmist has in who God is: a refuge, strength, and constant help in calamitous times. With that, he continues to state, “therefore,” because of, no matter what, in spite of, and as a result. Complete trust in God’s security, power, and availability to help allows him to say, “we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…”

Each word has been placed in the exact order we need to read it. “God is our refuge and help, an ever-present help in time of trouble,” is said before the disaster comes. We need to know in advance of the diagnosis or devastating event. “Therefore” is spoken at the perfect time to help us say, “we will not fear.”

We’ve all had moments when “the earth gave way.” Disappointment, despair, doubt, discouragement, and depression are human responses to tragedies. What do we do with the “therefore?”

We remember. We recall. We reset our hope. We remind ourselves that God IS our refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. We take God at His promise of Who He is. We trust He will be Who He says He is.

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a refuge, strength, and help in our troubles. Help us. Give us faith to trust, believe, and know that You provide safety in the storms of life. Help us hold on tight to Your promise.
In Jesus Name, Amen.