Lent Day 6 – Lenten Devotion – Tuesday, February 20, 2024
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Luther
A mighty fortress is our God
A sword and shield victorious
He breaks the cruel oppressor's rod
And wins salvation glorious
The old satanic foe
Has sworn to work us woe
With craft and dreadful might
He arms himself to fight
On earth he has no equal
“In you, O Lord, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!”
Forts. Some kids build them for make-believe. Some are built for outdoor snowball fun. Some are built for kids' personal space.
Fortresses are built and established and maintained for security purposes. They are a safe place. Fortresses provide a strategic way to confront and defend one's self against the enemy. Fortresses also provide protection in the midst of uncertainty.
No one can give all their energy all the time. We all wear down. Even our faith can wear down. When we feel weak, when we long for power and hope, let us trust The Holy Spirit comes to us and rescues us speedily, revealing our refuge, our strength, our security, our rock, our shield, our Deliverer, our fortress, our power, is in God's grace alone.
Let us pray: Jesus, today I confess, I can easily become weak. I need a safe place to be secure and to gain strength. You are my fortress. You are not make-believe. Your power is real, and in you I am secure and I rejoice. You are my personal fortress. In grace alone, I trust with certainty I have the power to take on every enemy. I have the power to be at peace and to find refuge; I have the power to believe I am forever secure and saved. In the name of Jesus, my Rock and my Fortress, I pray. Amen.
