Psalm 46 -
"1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah" 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" [NIV]
"1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah" 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" [NIV]
We live in a time when nations fight nations, when people within nations fight each other. This is not new and God knew it would happen.
When we are afraid and do not know what tomorrow will bring, this Psalm tells us the ultimate end. God is ultimately in control and brings victory. Because of this, we can know He is our strength and our place to take refuge.
His strength and refuge are seen in that God is the fortress for His city, His people. He has brought desolations upon disobedient people. That is how strong He is. He makes wars cease and breaks the weapons of wars. That is how mighty He is. Nothing man can make or do will make them greater or mightier than God. That is what makes Him our strength, refuge, and fortress. We remember His greatness and recall He is greater than our situations. Then we can know in our hearts and souls that He will be the victor ultimately.
In the midst of the chaos of the world and of your life, slow down, be still, remember God's mighty acts of protection, provision, and love of the past. Remember and know God is Greatest. He is exalted by His children and will be exalted by all humans when they realize He cannot be defeated or thwarted. "The LORD almighty is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress."
