“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”Psalm 46:1(KJV)
When our individual lives are turned upside down, we have a refuge! Our God knows where we are and what’s going on. His plans for us have not been cancelled. At such times, here are some points for us ponder. Moreover, they will comfort us in our trouble if we put them into action.
Immerse self and circumstances in God’s river. “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High” (Psalm 46:4 KJV). The psalmist represents God’s provisions as a river. And you must remember that you are a citizen of his city. The city of our God is not some mythical entity somewhere. Rather, it is the people of God who inhabit it that constitutes the city of our God. And it may seem like that every human source of supply has abandoned you but you can immerse yourself and circumstances in “the river of God” and receive all your needs.
When we pray and wash our circumstances in his river, we are claiming his presence, submitting to his lordship, recognizing his control and proclaiming our confidence that God will restore peace and order to our lives. “God shall help her and that right early” (Psa. 46:5 KJV). “Right early” is symbolic of new beginnings and a fresh start. It gives us confidence that despite the present trouble, a new day is dawning.
Finally, review God’s work. “Come behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire” (Psa. 46:8-9 KJV). Increase your faith! God destroys war and destruction! God destroys the weapons of violence and destruction. In his eternal now, God informs the psalmist as though these actions have already been completed. So, in our now, we can be confident that it is and shall be as He says it is. Our God is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Dear Father, thank you for being our very present help. Empower our faith and confidence in the One who destroys desolation, devastation, depression, and desecration. I pray this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. AMEN
Be courageous today in God’s help and strength,