“The Lord of hosts is with us” (Ps. 46:7).
It is purported that the dying words of John Wesley (founder of the Methodist movement) were: “The best part is, God is with us.”
Indeed, the gospel message is all about the presence of God. The psalmists reflected this truth. When the psalmist envisioned the Lord of hosts, he saw God as Commander in Chief of a great cloud of witnesses—an angel army—ever present with those who walk through the world.
Teenagers in particular will find Psalm 46 challenging and enlightening, as it speaks to the two greatest questions teenagers ask today: Is there any hope for our world? Does my life have a meaning?
The psalmist answers this question by declaring, “Yes!” on both counts. There is hope. There is meaning. Because God is with us.
Teenagers certainly understand the value of friendship. In fact, they crave it; and as they can understand friendship, so they can understand Christ is their Best Friend. He is the One who always will be there, always understand, always challenge, always help.
As youth leaders, we might think these ideas are easy to come by or that teenagers naturally understand or accept them. However, we need to remind teenagers (and ourselves) God will not leave or forsake us. There is a strength and comfort available to us and to others that can transform life and make new. Be sure to share this favorite psalm soon. It’s a favorite, too.
