We have known Gordon and Susan for more than forty years. And, have been through much together during that time.
A key part of relational Church life is encouragement. Sharing of ourselves, our experiences and vitally, our hearing of the Lord. Gordon shared his insights from Psalm 46 earlier this week. May our hearts be encouraged and warmed as we read this Psalm.
A Safe Place to Hide
I saw something wonderful in Psalm 46 this morning.
1. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3. though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
A Mighty Tidal Wave
Verses 2 and 3 speak about mountains falling into the sea, and verse 3 suggests a resultant mighty tidal wave which causes further earthquakes with the “surge” of the tidal wave. Quite a powerful picture of some of the most cataclysmic events in the natural world.
Yet verse 5 says that the place where the Most High dwells (in the hearts of true believers) will not fall (or be moved, totter, slip or fall in the Hebrew).
What a contrast to the events around us; earth-shaking events likely producing fear and terror in the hearts of those who don’t know the Lord, but peace and stability for believers. Not moved by all that is happening around us.
I love the way that verse 10 and 11 conclude the Psalm:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”The Lord Almighty is with us the God of Jacob is our fortress.”.
Be still, and know that I am God?? In such circumstances?? Wow! Amazing!
Let us continue to pray that God will be exalted in spite of all happening around us and in us.
We pray for a mighty tidal wave of God’s love to sweep through our lives, neighbourhoods and communities.