1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah Psalm 46:1-11
This is a very wonderful promise. In times of trouble you can count on God. We have a God who does not fail us. God is sufficient in any circumstance. From time to time horrific things happen to stop us in our tracks and make us think of God and eternity. When people are not prepared to stop to listen to what God has to say through his revealed word, the Bible, He will use world events: an earthquake, a tsunami, war, a terrorist attack or the current disruption to our lives with the COVID-19 virus, to challenge us in our busy lives to consider the living God our Creator. Faith in God’s protection, expressed so profoundly in this psalm, is what we need at this time.
Whatever the circumstances, the fear that leads to panic or paralysis has no place, for God is “a very present help in trouble.” God is our help even if the worst imaginable calamities should come upon us. This is what verses 2–3 are about, as the psalmist imagines the chaos, in which the “earth gives way and the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.” The foundations of our established worlds are shaken, and chaos seems to have come again at this time.
When trouble is around, we should know the following from Psalm 46:
1. God is the Refuge for His people (verse 1)
2. God is Resident among His people (verse 5)
3. God sends a River of blessing to His people (verse 4)
It is the understanding of these three facts that equip people to cope with the trouble that either will come, or has come, or is still here. Against CORVID 19 or any other trouble, the Lord is our refuge. As you are going through times of real stress and difficulty, Psalms 46 will be a blessing to you.
And finally, in verse 10 God says, “Relax and get to know Me! Spend time with Me! God’s challenge is for us to get our mind back on Him through Jesus Christ. God wants us to be still and KNOW Him. Take your burdens to the Lord Jesus and leave them there because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7).
PRAYERS
1. Adoration, Worship and Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Mercy -Psalms 136
2. Deep repentance for our sins and that of the Nations 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
3. No Corona Virus will affect me and my family in the name of Jesus Psalms 91
4. Father keep your people and your Church better and stronger during this trying period in Jesus name Numbers 31:48-49
5. Pray that after this period, God will be glorified 1 Peter 5:10
Welcome to the month of April 2020, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Yours in Him,
Pastor Dr. Lillian Haastrup
(image from crosswalk.com)
