Saturday, March 15 Hebrews 13:6

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

THE STRENGTH OF LOVE

A recent example of life under control of a mortal is in Syria. Bashar al-Assad, a tyrant by any stretch of imagination, succeeded his father and together they ruled Syria for 50 years. He imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Syrians and was responsible for extreme torture and an estimated 600,000 deaths. Late last year, rebels went on the offensive and took control of major cities with little resistance from his army. After about 10 days, he was finally driven out of the country. Subsequently, citizens were released from those torturous prisons, having endured the pain for years. Somehow many survived to see freedom and reunite with loved ones. What lies ahead for them is uncertain, but there is hope in their hearts again.

We are all too familiar with powerful people throughout history. Every age, every country, has had its share of such individuals, many of them ruthless and power hungry. The people under the rule of such tyrants are at danger, with little chance to live a life of peace and freedom. However, we know that, as a Persian saying goes, “This too shall pass.” The reigns of such people eventually end, either by defeat from another powerful force or, since they are mortal, in the throes of death.

The verse for today from Hebrews is a verbatim quote from Psalm 118:6. The psalm has a familiar beginning: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; because his mercy endures forever.” Today`s verse in both Hebrews and Psalms is summarized as trusting in God rather than human strength.

God is all powerful and immortal. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is with us, who can be against us?” He has promised he will not forsake us, nor is there anything that can separate us from his love. We will encounter difficulties as we journey through time. I know in my daily life that he is close by and will not leave. In my prayers, he is present and his strength is a comfort to me.

Lord, we look to you for strength and courage as we journey through our lives. We are comforted by your never-failing love for us.

David Dorf

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