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.
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
