Our Help In Trouble

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Scripture:

Psa. 46:0 ¶ To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.
Psa. 46:1     God is our refuge and strength,
        a very present help in trouble.
Psa. 46:2     Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
        though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Psa. 46:3     though its waters roar and foam,
        though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
 
Psa. 46:4      ¶ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
        the holy habitation of the Most High.
Psa. 46:5     God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
        God will help it when the morning dawns.
Psa. 46:6     The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
        he utters his voice, the earth melts.
Psa. 46:7     The LORD of hosts is with us;
        the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
 
Psa. 46:8      ¶ Come, behold the works of the LORD;
        see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
Psa. 46:9     He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
        he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
        he burns the shields with fire.
Psa. 46:10     “Be still, and know that I am God!
        I am exalted among the nations,
        I am exalted in the earth.”
Psa. 46:11     The LORD of hosts is with us;
        the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Observation:

The world was in trouble and it was time to recognize that God was the only real refuge and strength in the midst of difficulties.  Natural disasters and human wars and afflictions were surrounding the people of Israel and yet, they were called to a quietness before the Lord.  “Be still, and know that I am God!” 

In the midst of the trouble we are reminded of the river which flows — the very life-giving presence of the God’s Holy Spirit.  The description of the kingdom of God in the midst of trouble is a highlight.  This view of the future where the river of life flows and where God himself is eternally seated on the throne.  He is the victor over anything that nature and humanity can throw our way.  “The Lord of hosts is with us.”

Application:

Our world is certainly in turmoil this week and this is a timely reminder to focus on that which is eternal.  The already of the kingdom of God has been ushered in.  John the Baptist declared the preparation for the way of the Lord.  Jesus came and ushered in the new kingdom and God is already victoriously on his eternal throne.  We have a choice as to whether we want to live in the kingdom of this world which will continue to face decay and destruction or God’s kingdom which is already breaking into this world.  It is the place where we discover the “river whose streams make glad the city of God.”  Here we can be refreshed by his holy presence and continual filling of the Spirit. 

We can watch and listen to the news today with fear, or with a time of stillness to know that God is on the throne.  “Be still and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”  What better news can we have today than to be reminded that he will always be our help in a time of trouble.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your sweet presence. Amen.

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