Refuge and Strength

Scripture:
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

Observation: The Bible if full of "do not be afraid" messages, but this psalm reminds us of the reason not to fear - God is ever-present in all situations. God is in the mountains and the sea. He is there when the mountains erupt and the waters storm. God is all over the earth and in every situation where there is trouble. And God is our protection. He is our place of refuge. He is our strength and defense.

We are not to be afraid because God protects us, and he is mightier than any problem on earth or in heaven. God protects us from every possible trouble and problem and issue, be it physical or spiritual, of earth or of man.

Application: This week, I think I hit my breaking point with all the race-related violence. I know the problem and I get the issue ... I understand the prophesy and am aware of the times we live in. However, the continual intentional attacks are just events I can no longer endure. I am afraid. I'm not afraid in a way that worries about my life because I am comfortable with both my mortality and my community, but I am afraid in the concept of the day-to-day chaos and challenges facing everyone. This especially includes my family and my church.

God is my refuge and my strength. God is ever-present in my life. God will help me in times of trouble. And these ARE times of trouble. Every day I am trying to turn my heart over to God for comfort. I know God is on the throne of heaven, and that he is in control. I know there will a come a time when heaven will all fall silent and look, because God is about to take care of the situation with a mighty hand. I know Jesus will come again.

But I also know the church is the hope of the world ... and as the world is in so desperate need of hope right now, that must mean it needs the church even more. I believe the work is not finished. I believe wars will get worse, and men will become more evil. I believe my country will fall. It is in that uncertainty that I am afraid for the future and for the strength of those I love.

So I will turn to my refuge, and rely on the strength of God. I will try not to be afraid.

Prayer: Lord, you are in total control. You are my strong tower, my rock, my foundation, my refuge, my fortress, my protector, and my defender. I trust in you, therefore I will not fear. Please look upon these days and spread your love. Overcome hate. Please, Lord, protect your church and protect my family from these days. And may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.