July 21, 2026 Devo

July 21st, 2026

Powerful Words from the Prophets
“LORD, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!” – Jeremiah 16:19 (NLT)
“Surrounded”

Have you ever felt all alone in the middle of a crowd? Have you ever felt as if you were going through something, and there was no one who really “gets” you or understands what you’re dealing with? Have you ever felt as if you’re on a shore watching a tsunami roll straight at you, and there was nothing you could do?
Welcome to Jeremiah’s world. God’s telling Jeremiah about what’s going to happen to his people. He gives Jeremiah the task of warning everyone. The problem is that no one is listening! Instead of repenting, the people turn on Jeremiah like they turned on God! Jeremiah is confused, frustrated, scared, and overwhelmed. He knows his world and the world of his people is about to get turned upside down. And there is nothing he can do about it. It’s no wonder Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet.” It was enough to depress anyone.
But as God gives Jeremiah a glimpse of His plan and his people’s ultimate deliverance, Jeremiah has an important, faith-filled realization: he’s NOT alone. It’s not HE who is fighting this uphill battle. It’s he and THE LORD! He is not the one who has to convince the people. GOD does! He wells up with faith as he realizes that God is WITH him, God is FOR him, and that God will ultimately accomplish His purposes. So, in the midst of all his struggles, he makes this incredible declaration of faith. “LORD, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!”
There’s a worship song called “Surrounded” that states this truth so clearly. It says, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You!” It may LOOK bleak, but it’s not. It might FEEL as if you won’t make it, but you will. It might be more than you can handle, but it’s not more than GOD can handle. You might have problems all around you, but God has all your problems surrounded by His power and might!
Breathe this in today. Embed this truth in your heart and mind. Whatever you’re facing, whatever you’re going through, whatever trouble you have, God has you surrounded. He will be your strength to endure. He will be your fortress of protection. He will be your refuge of rest. Cry out to Him. Lean upon Him. Praise Him! You are SURROUNDED by the Great Love of God! That’s God’s Word for you today.