«He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them» (Psalm 37:39, 40).
MUSIC is an area in which Martin Luther left his imprint. Several years ago, the book In Tune with God, written by Lilianne Doukhan, was published. Dr. Doukhan says that Luther loved music and, according to the famous reformer, after theology, music is the only art able to «quiet and cheer up the soul of man.» He adamantly held that a respectable teacher had to know how to sing. Furthermore, Luther argued that anyone who didn’t have music education was not to be considered for the ministry (which would personally be a problem for me and my profession).
Luther had firsthand experience with the power of music to encourage in the midst of difficulties. One day, while meditating on Psalm 46, he composed one of the most influential hymns in the history of Christianity: «A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,» the quintessential hymn of the Protestant Reformation. There are different versions regarding the context in which Luther composed this wonderful musical piece. One of its supposed origins links it to the proclamation of the Edict of Worms, a document which declared Luther was a heretic and a fugitive. Under those circumstances, the great reformer sought comfort and strength through song. The first stanza reads:
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
It’s so wonderful and reassuring to know we serve a mighty God! The psalmist had already declared it: «He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him» (Psalm 37:39, 40). Luther had a powerful enemy, but all the power of Satan’s hosts vanishes in the face of our Lord’s power. Psalm 61:3 declares the Lord is like «a strong tower against the foe» (NIV). The wise Solomon adds, «The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe» (Proverbs 18:10).
Let’s take refuge in that strong Castle today and always.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
