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God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 Our country and the world around us is changing very rapidly. Chatter abounds on radio, television, internet blogs, and social networking services concerning current events moving in directions contrary to the world and country we have all grown up in. Buzz words like socialism, one world government, financial meltdown, and domestic terrorism can bring about thoughts of a bleak future, filled with fear and uncertainty. But these verses bring us an incredible mind balloon of where we as Christians should get our confidence from. Would a financial meltdown mean anything if the mountains on earth tremble and fall into the depths of the sea? Socialism becomes unimportant when compared to the mountains quaking because of the oceans roaring. Our confidence comes not from the things of this world, but from the knowledge and truth that our God, creator of the universe, is our protector and our strength.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 4-7 In contrast to the crumbling and whooshing of an out of control world, the never changing God of Jacob brings happiness and contentment. Those of us (believers) who live in the city of God can not be moved even when the world is falling apart, he is our refuge, he speaks and earth wastes away.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 8-11 Behold the evidence of what God has done on the earth, the ruin he has brought forth on those who go against him. If we reflect deeply on what the Bible tells us of how God has intervened for his people, then his next command should be our response. “Be still” - I like the New American Standard translation on these two words—”Stop striving” (striving: to struggle vigorously). Relax, chill out, take it easy, allow the one to whom (in the end) every knee will bow bring you contentment, courage, and rest!
I read a great line today that someone came up with some time ago. It says; “Fear not tomorrow, God is already there.” God has always been there for us and he will always be there for us! But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34 Jesus had just finished telling his disciples how he takes care of his creation (grass of the fields and birds of the air), and how much more he can take care of them. When I am in fear, I am typically mulling over the “what if’s” in my future, looking ahead with anxiety and dread. But, when I turn my attention to the Father and his promises, as I spend time with Him in prayer, as I examine the virtues of His character, as I meditate on what His Word says about Him, peace can become my experience. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
Our confidence comes from the knowledge of God’s power and love for us.
Vertical focus, not horizontal!
