“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and the mountains be cast into the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).
Dear Praying Friends:
At time or another, we all experience troubles. Some of them threaten to undo us.
That is when we should remember that “the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:7).
In the past few weeks, I have been buffeted by a gang of emotional blows, two of them connected to the ministry.
Despite a pledge to collaborate, backed by substantial indications of that commitment, the editor of another biographical website has made moves that seem to point toward coming competition with the Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity (BDCC). With resources far superior to ours, he could easily make a dent in our readership and reach.
A senior member in the Mandarin Sunday School class seems to feel compelled to contradict my teaching at a fundamental level each time we meet. With his much greater knowledge of the Chinese Bible, he could be an essential partner, enhancing our combined ministry to the group. Instead, he has acted like a constant adversary, though I don’t think that is his intention.
These assaults and several others coming from different directions have left me staggering as I try to regain my footing. I feel weary and am struggling with discouragement.
In that context, today’s psalm reminds me to turn to God, who is with me and will surely strengthen and empower me to go on. I pray the same for you.
Thank you for praying last week. God enabled me to finish writing notes on Hebrews 10 and on Daoism, and to make substantial progress on the story about Bishop John Burdon. I enjoyed going through the index to A.J. Broomhall’s seven-volume Hudson Taylor & China’s Open Century (which I have read three times) to find material about Burdon, whose life intersected often with Taylor’s (they married sisters).
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God . . . God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved” (Psalm 46:4a, 5a).
Yours in his presence and protection,
Wright
Broomhall's book is now available in two volumes with the title, The Shaping of Modern China. I strongly recommend it!