“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. A refuge is a shelter, a place of protection, a fortress, and a place of hope. The message here in Psalm 46 1-7 is that even when the earth and all that is in it are in turmoil, in God there is a place of safety, protection, and hope. When all of “nature” seems to be in an upheaval, which could allude to such phenomena as earthquakes, great storms like hurricanes and tornados, volcanoes, and great floods, verses 2-3; and then we can include the peoples and nations symbolized by the turbulent waters, and the mountainous strongholds of enemies and evil! But in the midst of all these calamities verse 4 changes the scene saying, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” In contrast to the storm tossed sea, the peaceful flowing river points us to the place of God’s presence where we find rest and pleasure, where is found “fullness of joy… (And) pleasures forevermore” Psalm 16:11. When you go through the storm as long as you are residing in His city, in the place of His presence, and among His people, this river of gladness is for you; yes because of His grace we “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” Romans 5:2. Remember He has promised “I am with you always” Matthew 28:20, and He will calm the storm, take you out of the storm, or else bring you safely through the storm! He has the final word to the chaos and turbulence of this world, and your life. Trust His faithfulness today
Help in trouble
By Rose Hill
Today in God’s word this promise we see,
From weakness and trouble He sets us free.
When we need help He is always here,
He assures that there is nothing to fear.
The earth may change, things move out of place,
But God’s people right now are moving with grace.
The Lord has promised to be always with us,
In His stronghold we can surely trust.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.