Attacked!
In this week’s newsletter, I would like to talk about being on attack. One profound example of being attacked is when the Japanese ambushed the United States by bombing Pearl Harbor. I can’t imagine how our military felt when this took place. In my mind, I picture many emotions going on during this time like: fear, stress, anger, panic, disbelief and sadness. A little blurb about the attack from Google states: “On December 7, 1941 the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack killed 2,403 service members and wounded 1,178 more, and sank or destroyed six U.S. ships. They also destroyed 169 U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps planes.” This was a devastating time for the U.S. and the families who lost their loved ones. The pain of the attack brought crisis and chaos to many people’s lives that day. Even though many of us have not experienced the exact level of tragedy, there are some who have experienced crisis through an unexpected attack. With this said, have you or your family ever felt attacked? Have you had multiple unexpected events happen all at once that has made you feel concerned about your future? This could include things like: news of health issues, financial distress, or maybe even relationship struggles that have left you feeling hopeless. Whatever the case, all of these things can make people feel like they are being attacked and it can be overwhelming and stressful. So, how do we get past it and put together a plan so we can conquer these giants? The answer is - we run to the one (Jesus) who can gives wise counsel and is our constant and ever-present help in times of trouble. He is the place we find refuge and shelter. He is faithful and able to sustain us. So, when attacks come and invade your lives, will Jesus be the first source of strength you seek? The choice is yours!
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eye and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalms 91:1-16
Chaplain Tracey Burns
Reflection Questions
⦁ How do you respond to attacks?
⦁ Do you immediately try and handle the situation by yourself or do you turn to Jesus who has the power to intercede on your behalf?
⦁ Are you making sure you are equipped with the Armor of God?
Bonus: Great song (if you are interested) - Where do you find “Refuge”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB_dPMXmFLw&ab_channel=WordShipOfficial