September 02, 2019
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.” (Psalm 46:2a)
The cause of our fears is usually the presence or prospect of change. We don’t know what is going to happen, or fearful of what will happen as change comes. Think of every fear you have and this is almost always at the foundation.
To this foundational cause, the Psalmist gives some foundational answers in Psalm 46.
GOD’S UNCHANGING HELP
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (vs. 1)
He is not far away, but absolutely present in the midst of whatever change you’re experiencing. One translation says He is “abundantly available for help when you’re in a tight place”
There is never a moment when He cannot be your refuge and all the strength you need. He has made Himself presently available for you RIGHT NOW and always.
GOD’S UNCHANGING PLANS
God has in motion a plan to redeem a people unto Himself and recreate a world of paradise and complete stability. A place where there is no fearful change. And, He is marching all of those who believe forward into that new world. This world “shall not be moved.”
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Anything that men or nations or circumstances would cause to affect us cannot affect the ultimate outcome of our lives. Sickness, pain, poverty; wars and rumors of wars; nature and its effects; all are under the sovereign plan of a Sovereign God who “works all things together for good” ultimately.
SO BE STILL
This is why the Psalmist comes with a final encouragement to our fearful souls.
10 “Cease striving 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 stronghold.
God is going to accomplish His purposes and they are all good. There will be huge change in this world as this is accomplished, but the ultimate purposes will be accomplished.
And, in the midst of a changing world, He is present with us and powerful to take care of us.
January 15, 2025
Imagine a child created by God and for whom He had sent His only begotten Son to redeem and His Spirit to indwell. And then imagine that child ignoring Him, never communing, never praying, never listening, never obeying. And then realize how an attentive, unceasing life of prayer would delight the heart of the Father who made you.
January 14, 2025
Spending hours in solitude with God alone is foreign to us. We are not familiar with God. He is, for most, a distant entity, not an every day Father.
January 13, 2025
What is more important to you than anything else? Check your values, for they will drive you this year. And what value is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
