Psalm 46, “God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a
very present and well-proved
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth
should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, Though
its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah
[pause, and calmly think of that]! There is a river whose
streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of
the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be
moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning]. The
nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and
were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of
hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower).
Selah [pause, and calmly
think of that]! Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has
wrought desolations and wonders
in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots
in the fire. Let be and
be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted
among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of
hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and
Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly
think of that]!” (AMPC)
One of the things I can’t wait to try is painting! However, since I’m a definite beginner, it will have to be the Kindergarten level of painting! But then there are others who are a bit more experienced then I am. In fact, years ago a major art gallery sponsored a competition for painters. They were offering prizes for the best painting on the subject of "Peace". As the attenders browsed through the entries, most had decided that one certain painting was almost sure to win. It portrayed this lush green pasture under a vivid blue sky, with the cows grazing lazily and a little boy walking through the grass with his fishing pole over his shoulder. It really made you feel peaceful. But believe it or not, it came in second! The painting that won was a big surprise! The scene was the ocean in a violent storm! The sky was ominous, the lightning was cutting across the sky, and the waves were crashing into the rock walls of the cliffs by the shore! Not so peaceful of a scene in my book! But then again, you had to look twice to understand what was really going on! There, about halfway up the cliff was a birds' nest, tucked into a tiny hollow in the rock. A mother bird was sitting on that nest with her little babies, tucked underneath her, sleeping soundly. Now, that was what you call peace!
And what was the title of the prize-winning painting – “Peace in the midst of the storm”, and rightly so, because peace is not just the absence of a storm. It's peace in the middle of the storm! The kind of peace many of us could use right now in fact; the kind of peace maybe you could have right now if you're resting where you ought to be!
That word ‘midst’ is simply defined as ‘in the middle of’. And for many of us, that describes us to the letter! We’re right in the middle of a storm on every side! Reminds you a bit of Paul when he said: “We are hedged in (pressed) ON EVERY SIDE [troubled and oppressed IN EVERY WAY], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; we are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 AMPC)
For many of us that’s just how life feels at the moment, we’re experiencing troubles On Every Side, and In Every Way! But thank God that’s not the end to our story!
And as our headlines have become more dominated with new dangers, as so many hearts have been struggling with new anxieties and new fears, I think we're ready for the incredible peace offered in Psalm 46. I like to call it "Good News for Bad Times". And maybe there’s a good reason this news is landing on your doorstep today!
Our Scripture opens with tremendous encouragement: "God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble." (vs. 1 AMPC) The word ‘refuge’ is defined as ‘a place or state of safety from danger or trouble.’ Its Latin Origin ‘refugium’, from ‘fugere’ literally means ‘flee.’ And that’s the first thing the psalmist wants us to know. God Himself is the place and state of safety from danger and trouble that we are to flee to! Sadly, it’s not often the first place or person we go to. We want to talk to mom or dad, a best friend, a pastor, a prayer warrior, coworker, sibling, spouse, and nothing is wrong with any of these people, but that’s not the First Person we need to seek when in danger and trouble. God Is! And He’s not only our refuge (or covering) but He’s also our Strength. And can we be honest? When we’re facing hard and harsh times, it has a tendency to weaken us. When we’re battling the storms of marriage, parenthood, work, church, family, health, finances, etc…our places of strength, become the places we become most vulnerable to weakness. We don’t attend church, prayer, bible study, we don’t dive into the Word of God, we don’t sing the songs of Zion, we don’t walk by faith, we lose hope and trust, and at that very moment is when fear arrives with all of its baggage to pay us an extended, unwelcomed visit! But when we go to God First, He protects us as a Refuge, and He becomes the Strength we need to make it out of this particular storm in life. “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMPC)
Yet again, God proves Himself to be our Refuge and Strength, even in the times of our dangers, troubles and weakness. So, doesn’t it make even more sense now to go to God First? After all, he ends it with, “…a very present and WELL-PROVED HELP in trouble.” So, we’re not hoping this thing with God works out, this isn’t about trial and error, or wishful thinking. He is already Well-Proven! The word ‘proved’ is defined as ‘to demonstrate by evidence or argument the truth or existence of; to show genuine and established validity; a testing process.’ Its Old French ‘prover’, from Latin ‘probare’ literally means ‘tested, demonstrated approved.’ We are not hoping this goes well, God has already proven His strength is Valid! His help and presence are guaranteed! People on the other hand cannot offer you the same security. And even when they make faulty attempts at promises, presence and help, it will never compare to that of God!
The more troubled things are, the more present God makes Himself! The psalmist then says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!“ (vss. 2-3 AMPC) In other words, everything's collapsing here - things that have always been there for us. But no fear. Why? "God is our Refuge and Strength." So it doesn’t matter how the mountains shake, or how bad the rivers roar, nothing can hinder God’s help for us! Which is why the psalmist admonishes us: “…Selah [pause, and calmly think of that…” Sometimes all we need to do is find somewhere quiet to sit still and have a Selah moment. Remember who God was, is and will always be. Remember what God has done for you in the past. Remember His name, His blood, His Word, His Will, His Work, His Plan, His Son! Remember the healing, the saving, the deliverance. Remember the last time you thought you wouldn’t make it through, make it over or make it out of, and then there was a ‘But God’ Encounter! Today, let this be the day that you start to Selah, in the middle of the Storm! Don’t let the elements cause you to forget who made them and who controls them! With that said, let’s take a listen to God:
Job 38
: “And now, finally, God
ANSWERED JOB FROM THE EYE OF A VIOLENT STORM. He said: “Why do
you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking
about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have
some questions for you, and I want some straight answers. Where were you
when I CREATED THE EARTH? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on
its SIZE? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the BLUEPRINTS and MEASUREMENTS?
How was its FOUNDATION poured, and who set the CORNERSTONE, While the MORNING
STARS sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took
charge of the OCEAN when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? THAT
WAS ME! I wrapped it in soft CLOUDS, and tucked it in safely at night. THEN
I MADE A PLAYPEN FOR IT, A STRONG PLAYPEN SO IT COULDN’T RUN LOOSE, AND
SAID, ‘STAY HERE, THIS IS YOUR PLACE. YOUR WILD TANTRUMS ARE CONFINED TO
THIS PLACE.’ “And have you ever ordered MORNING, ‘GET UP!’ told
DAWN, ‘GET TO WORK!’ So you could seize EARTH like a blanket and shake out
the wicked like cockroaches? As the SUN brings everything to light, brings
out all the colors and shapes, The cover of darkness is snatched from the
wicked-they’re caught in the very act! “Have you ever gotten to
the true bottom of things, explored the labyrinthine caves of DEEP OCEAN? Do
you know the first thing about DEATH? Do you have one clue regarding
death’s dark mysteries? And do you have any idea how large this EARTH
is? Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer. “Do
you know where LIGHT comes from and where DARKNESS lives So you can take
them by the hand and lead them home when they get lost? Why, of course you know that. You’ve
known them all your life, grown up in the same neighborhood with them! “Have
you ever traveled to where SNOW IS MADE, seen the vault where HAIL is stockpiled,
The arsenals of hail and snow that I KEEP IN READINESS for times of trouble and battle and war? Can you find your way to where LIGHTENING is launched, or to the place from which the WIND blows? Who do you suppose CARVES CANYONS for the downpours of RAIN, and charts the route of THUNDERSTORMS That bring WATER to unvisited fields, DESERTS no one ever lays eyes on, Drenching the useless WASTELANDS so they’re CARPETED WITH WILDFLOWERS AND GRASS? And who do you think is the FATHER OF RAIN AND DEW, the MOTHER OF ICE AND FROST? You don’t for a minute imagine these marvels of WEATHER just happen, do you? “Can you catch the eye of the beautiful PLEIADES sisters, or distract ORION from his hunt? Can you get VENUS to look your way, or get the GREAT BEAR and her cubs to come out and play? Do you know the first thing about the SKY’S CONSTELLATIONS and how they affect things on EARTH? “Can you get the attention of the CLOUDS, and commission a shower of RAIN? Can you take charge of the LIGHTNING BOLTS AND HAVE THEM REPORT TO YOU FOR ORDERS? What Do You Have to Say for Yourself? “Who do you think gave weather-wisdom to the IBIS, and storm-savvy to the ROOSTER? Does anyone know enough to NUMBER ALL THE CLOUDS or TIP OVER THE RAIN BARRELS OF HEAVEN When the earth is cracked and dry, the ground baked hard as a brick? “Can you teach the LIONESS to stalk her prey and satisfy the appetite of her cubs As they crouch in their den, waiting hungrily in their cave? And who sets out food for the RAVENS when their young cry to God, fluttering about because they have no food?” (MSG)
The arsenals of hail and snow that I KEEP IN READINESS for times of trouble and battle and war? Can you find your way to where LIGHTENING is launched, or to the place from which the WIND blows? Who do you suppose CARVES CANYONS for the downpours of RAIN, and charts the route of THUNDERSTORMS That bring WATER to unvisited fields, DESERTS no one ever lays eyes on, Drenching the useless WASTELANDS so they’re CARPETED WITH WILDFLOWERS AND GRASS? And who do you think is the FATHER OF RAIN AND DEW, the MOTHER OF ICE AND FROST? You don’t for a minute imagine these marvels of WEATHER just happen, do you? “Can you catch the eye of the beautiful PLEIADES sisters, or distract ORION from his hunt? Can you get VENUS to look your way, or get the GREAT BEAR and her cubs to come out and play? Do you know the first thing about the SKY’S CONSTELLATIONS and how they affect things on EARTH? “Can you get the attention of the CLOUDS, and commission a shower of RAIN? Can you take charge of the LIGHTNING BOLTS AND HAVE THEM REPORT TO YOU FOR ORDERS? What Do You Have to Say for Yourself? “Who do you think gave weather-wisdom to the IBIS, and storm-savvy to the ROOSTER? Does anyone know enough to NUMBER ALL THE CLOUDS or TIP OVER THE RAIN BARRELS OF HEAVEN When the earth is cracked and dry, the ground baked hard as a brick? “Can you teach the LIONESS to stalk her prey and satisfy the appetite of her cubs As they crouch in their den, waiting hungrily in their cave? And who sets out food for the RAVENS when their young cry to God, fluttering about because they have no food?” (MSG)
Then the psalmist continues: "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High" (vs. 4) That spoke of a place where God’s presence lived. And where does God live today? Well, it's in those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus His Son. Which means, believers, this encouragement is talking about you! "God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].” (vs. 5) Just when you thought you were about to go down in the midst of your storm, God steps in to remind you that He is in the midst of you while you’re in the midst of your storm, therefore, you will not Sink, you will Survive!
Matthew 14:24-33, “Meanwhile, the boat was far
out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the
waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on
the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out
in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s
me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if
it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said,
“Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But
when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve
and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t
hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart,
what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and
the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing,
worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” (MSG)
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (vs.7) Does it really matter if a whole host is against us, when the Lord of host is for us? Surely Not!
Psalm 27:1-6, “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—WHO
SHALL I FEAR OR DREAD? The Lord is the REFUGE AND STRONGHOLD OF MY LIFE—OF WHO
SHALL I BE AFRAID? When the wicked, even my enemies and my
foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. THOUGH
A HOST ENCAMP AGAINST ME, MY HEART SHALL NOT FEAR; THOUGH WAR ARISE AGAINST ME,
[EVEN THEN] IN THIS WILL I BE CONFIDENT. One thing have I asked
of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the
Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet
attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate,
consider, and inquire in His
temple. FOR IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE HE WILL HIDE ME IN HIS
SHELTER; IN THE SECRET PLACE OF HIS TENT WILL HE HIDE ME; HE WILL SET ME HIGH
UPON A ROCK. And now shall my head be lifted up above my
enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing,
yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (AMPC)
I reiterate, With God as Your Refuge, Strength, Fortress and High Tower…What and Who Shall You Ever Fear?!
“Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.” (vss. 8-9) Why should you ever fear, when your attackers are stripped of their weapons by the God you serve? So, the next time you’re in a violent storm, just do as the psalmist did, invite your storm to, “Come, behold the works of the Lord…”
And then as everything seems to be melting down, God says this, "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” (vs. 10) This is why you can sit so peacefully in the midst of storms, because no matter what or who encamps against you, your God will always be Exalted! Above the nations and above the earth. You need not fear what or who is against you, when you know Who is FOR you! So once again, allow this to be your Selah moment. Sit peacefully in the presence of God and know and recognize and understand that He Is Still God!
So, turn off the news, leave those other voices, and get where you can just be with God. And realize that as long as you're in His hands, there's no such thing as anything in your life being out of control. He is still God and you are still His! When you’re resting in the care of the Lord Jesus Christ, you can rest through any storm, because you belong to the One who can give you peace in the middle of the storm.
And then the psalmist closes with these words reiterated once again to bring our hearts joy and reassurance, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah, [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (vs. 11)
Now, is all of this easy? Nope! Life is a heavy-weight champion that never takes its’ gloves off or ever exits the ring. But when you belong to the Creator of All Life, you realize that the fight is always fixed in your favor! So, today, my heart’s desire is that you take away one small, yet powerful word…Peace! It’s God pillow for you to rest your head on so you can do as He has done. When the storm rages, our Lord went to sleep. And that was easy for Him to do, because He created and calms the seas. So, when your storm rages, you need to rest in Him knowing that He’s still the creator of the seas, and that He still calms them.
Mark 4:37-39, “And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled. But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the seas, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).” (AMPC)
He’s still doing that you know! Trust Him to do it for you…again!
Isaiah 26:3, “You will guard him and keep him
in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its
character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You,
and hopes confidently in You.” (AMPC);
Psalm 107:29, “He hushes the storm to a calm
and to a gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea are still.” (AMPC);
Jeremiah 1:8, “Do not be afraid of them. For I
am with you to take you out of trouble.” (NLV);
Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the
waters, I will be there with you, and through the rivers, they will not
overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or
scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.” (AMPC);
Proverbs 10:25, “When the storm is over,
there’s nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation,
aren’t even fazed.” (MSG);
Hebrews 6:19, “[Now] we have this [hope] as a
sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down
under whoever steps out upon it – a hope] that reaches farther and enters into
[the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil.” (AMPC)
“You can’t calm the storm. So stop trying.
What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” (Timber Hawkeye)
“There are some things you learn best in
calm, and some in storm.” (Willa Cather)
Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
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