Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress
GOD IS WITH US! What a confident assurance to hold onto these days don’t you think? In light of the total unknown regarding the COVID-19 virus and the chaos which it has brought, one thing is for certain—- for the child of God, He is with you. This promise is what is communicated in Psalm 46. The Psalm was actually a song celebrating the Lord and His goodness to His people. The hymn can also serve as an encouragement for us in these unprecedented days.
The writer of the Psalm highlights a few points of encouragement for us to take hold of and hold onto in seasons like the one we are in. If we are not careful, what can happen is that when tough times come in life, in our mind God shrinks, making things like fear and worry grow. That just simply isn’t true. What the psalmist does here is share with us who God is in every season, what He has done/will do, and our response to those truths!
First the Psalmist alerts and reminds us of the Lord. Listen, the God we worship is not some statue or figurine that we can grab hold of, nor is He some small distant force we try to put into some box. He is the One who as Isaiah says sits above the circle of the earth. He is the One who made the heavens and the earth. He is the Sovereign One who is in control over the whole universe, yet He is near to us and loves/cares for His people. In Psalm 46:1 we are reminded that the Lord is our refuge (Safe place, place of protection) in times of trouble. God is your help and my help in every circumstance of life. Hallelujah! For this very reason fear and worry do not have to consume us in this season.
Secondly, we are encouraged by the Lord’s glorious deeds. The Psalmist throughout the chapter highlights all the great things the Lord can do and has done. Like that ol’ hymn goes— He has done great things! In the Old Testament, He fought for His people, ending wars, He provided a way out for His people in times of desperation and He provided every need as His people had them. Great is His faithfulness! He was with them! That is the same God we worship. Our God is able! He is able to continue to bless and protect you and your family in light of this terrible pandemic. He is able to take care of your family financially in light of the economy falling. Listen, He has done great things and will continue to do so!
Lastly then, our response ought to be v.10-11: To be still before Him and remember that He is God. In the midst of the noise and the chaos that may be going on around you these days: Because of the Lord and His marvelous deeds, choose to be still before Him and rest in Him for He is God and He is with us. In these days, may the promise of God being with us move you to choose faith over fear, to choose worship over worry, and to choose rest over restlessness! He is with you! He is for you! Rest in Him!
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father Lord, thank you for your love for me. I am grateful that You are still God over all the universe. Help me in my unbelief in these days. Remind me of who You are and of Your wonderful deeds. Allow for the truth that You are still with me to help me to trust and to rest in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SONG OF WORSHIP FOR TODAY: Bigger Than I Thought-Sean Curran
MEMORY VERSES OF THE WEEK:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.