PSALM 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
He is our
REFUGE - where we go for safety
STRENGTH - the source of what gives us all we need and gets us through
AND, He is ALWAYS ready to help.
Always ON, always prepared, always on time, always victorious
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
So, because of the above, we WILL NOT FEAR - even if ______ (fill in the blank)
The earthquakes come
Mountains crumble
A pandemic happens
3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Let the oceans roar
This shows His power - He is in control of even the waves
If we believe and accept the Bible, this WILL happen. In other words, it is supposed to happen.
AND THEN HE RETURNS!!
A lot of people I talk to want to “go back to normal” or want “this to be over”. Don’t get me wrong, living, teaching, dating in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t exactly my plan for this season, BUT - God is still in control. He is still Holy and believe it or not, He is still working on our behalf to bring salvation to all who will receive.
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
Revelation 3:12-13 - “All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
All who are victorious = pillars in the temple. These ones will be formative and crucial to the temple and they will reside there.
God’s name is written on them
They will be citizens in the city - the New Jerusalem that COMES DOWN (Heaven to Earth).
We will have a new name.
We must LISTEN to understand.
Revelation 3:1-11 - (for another time)
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.
God Himself lives in that city. We will reside with Him one day!
6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
The Nations are in an uproar - sound familiar?
Kingdoms crumble
God thunders and the Earth melts
It sure sounds like more destruction is to come but we can have confidence in knowing that it is part of His plan and that He will rescue His children.
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.
The Lord Almighty is here among us.
He is not far off or watching from afar. He is HERE.
He is our fortress - we are SO protected. Think about that for a moment, about being in a fortress. There are so many levels of protection there. That is what God is to us!
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.
It’s interesting what are referred to as “glorious works of the Lord…”
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He brings destruction, wars end, He breaks the bow and spear, and burns shields.
Any false/worldly division and violence will be stopped.
This is confirmation that destruction of the things of this work (powers, authorities, material things, success, etc.) WILL FALL.
It is part of His plan and we must rest in that and look with HOPE and expectation to the GOOD that is to come in Him.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Be silent (still)
Remember all that He has done and yet to do (see above) and show reverence to our Righteous Father.
Don’t DO, strive, make noise, but recognize WHO God really is and trust that He really can save us.
How do we know? We spend time with Him, read His word, ask for the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
He will be honored by EVERY nation and throughout the world!
It seems not far off and what a glorious day it will be.
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
This is the same as verse 7, but look at the comparison. Verse 7 is spoken right after all of the chaos is mentioned. Verse 11 is stated after God’s coming and final victory is shared.
Think about THAT God being HERE WITH US.
Lord, I am thankful that the all powerful God is MY refuge. There is room for me and in your arms we can rest. Thank you for an unshakable confidence that YOU, Lord, are in control of it all. Every detail, every chaotic event, every part of this pandemic. You see it and you are using it. Lord, I ask for others to know the goodness of God during this time and learn to trust in you even when it looks grim. Show them the LIGHT of your presence and the JOY it brings. May MANY come to know you and live in your Kingdom forever. In Jesus name, Amen!
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