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Psalm 46 is a favorite Psalm of mine. The words give me hope and strength for life. They remind me of the God that I serve.
The first three verses of the chapter read, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."
Many Psalms begin with a problem or a situation. However, Psalm 46 focuses on the Lord. His eyes are fixed on God, not his situation. He admits his total trust and dependence on God. We learn three points about God in these first three verses.
First, God is a place of Refuge.
God is our refuge. (46:1) Interestingly, the Old Testament declared cities of Refuge. This term would have been familiar. Cities were set aside for those in danger to be able to retreat to a safe space. The Psalmist of this chapter is saying GOD is their Refuge. He is the one we should run to for safety. He is the place we can retreat to for renewal—a time of spiritual guidance and truth. I often need a place of Refuge. How about you?
Second, God is strength.
Second, God is strength for His people. (46:1) He is strong and bold. God is the one who gives us the will and power to live this life well. He gives inner strength to His children on difficult days. It is His power that we can lean into. I also am reminded of the gift of His Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to share the good news. He provides guidance and points us to Jesus.
Third, He is a very present help.
Third, He is a very present help. (46:1) This means that He is never far away. He is present in our life. He is aware and sees our every need, emotion, and hurt. He is the help for our souls when we find ourselves in hard places. Present help literally means 'abundant and available help in tight places.' I love that!
Since God is our refuge, strength, and help, we do not need to fear even in the worst times and when everything falls apart. "Therefore I will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." (46:2-3) I do not know what you are facing today. Maybe you feel like your world is falling apart. May I whisper that perhaps God is letting your world fall into place? You do not need to fear. He is a present help. God gives abundant strength. He is available to you in whatever situation you are in. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
If you need a refuge today, go to the Father. If you need strength now, go to the One who is strength. If you want help today, ask the Lord for help. May I encourage you that when we feel like your world is falling apart, God works in ways we do not see or know? I love the line of Casting Crowns, "Just Be Held," that reads, "Your world is not falling apart; it is falling into place."
Your world is not falling apart but falling into place.
My Friend, God is good. Trust Him with your everything!
Here is the NEXT STEP for you! I invite you to attend the Resilience Conference in Charlotte, NC. If you cannot come, please be in prayer with me. Follow the QR code for registration and information!
Blessings!
Let's stay connected!
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