God’s Strength, My Stillness
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1–3
Regardless of age or occupation, I am guessing many of us have been feeling overwhelmed by the “trouble” that is so prevalent in our current events. My heart hurts for those affected by the natural disasters, political unrest and illnesses surging through our world, destroying normalcy. Silent tears rolled down my face as I read Psalm 46 this morning. At times it feels like the earth is giving way, literally or figuratively, and many things feel uncertain. A beautiful blend of power and peace, this chapter was written for such a time as this, times of trouble. The author first introduces the source of our strength, He who carries us through. While acknowledging the existence of painful realities, a better future is quickly introduced.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved…” v. 4,5
This world is not our home. How encouraging is the thought of a perfect place, flowing with peaceful streams and filled with God’s presence.
“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters His voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” v. 6,7
Regardless of what we see around us, God remains all powerful. He has seen the beginning from the end, knowing what would take place even before we were created. I am instructed to trust His infinite wisdom, to take refuge in His power, and to move forward in His strength.
“Be still, and know that I am God…The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” v. 10, 11
Be still. We often need this command, since society rarely builds in time to fully stop. Take the time to pause and remind yourself that God is all-powerful. Whatever time of trouble you are going through, God sees. He is your fortress, offering peace amidst the storm. Though the mountains give way, we will not fear, for our God is a very present help in trouble.
