Remember always to trust in God our refuge...Today's Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea..."Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46: 1-2
The Psalms are a tapestry of human emotions. The poetry of prayer weaves together anger, fear, joy, longing, despair, praise, and passion. As a teen I can remember reading through Psalms while sitting in the infield during each of our track meets. Track is a team sport but most of our events were you all on you own to either be triumphant or more times than not come up a little short. Various times I would read a Psalm and think to myself how right on time the thought or emotion was with the way I was feeling. Anxieties would melt away knowing that someone else had experienced just what I was feeling and that the same God who helped pen the words in the scripture was with me awaiting my next event. You and I can see in this verse how it sums up God's response to those prayers. Its truth is the thread of peace and comfort that runs through the entire book of Psalms, as well as the rest of the Bible - and the life of every individual who walks with God.
God's answer to those who are emotionally troubled is brief and straightforward: STOP AND REMEMBER WHO IS ON YOUR SIDE.
Psalm 46 talks about earthquakes felling mountains, cities being destroyed, nations being in an uproar, kingdoms crumbling. I can't help but think of moments that we have experienced in recent years such as 911, the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the recent destruction in Haiti. This word speaks about the final destruction of the world itself. The overall tone of the psalm is anything but quiet and still. One sentence, however, says to "be still," and the focal point of emotion changes from outside chaos to internal rest. That's why the psalm was written as a song. It proclaimed a message everyone needed to hear.
Selah people' and friends let the truth of this verse find a home in your heart today. When life gets busy or chaotic, it's easy to get distracted. You wind up focusing on problems instead of the One who holds the answer to your problems in his hands. When that happens, stop. Focus on who God is and how much he loves you. Share your own heartfelt psalm of prayer with the God of power and compassion. Be still and know God is near.
"The words in Psalm 46 hold incredible power when it comes to knowing God is near in any and every situation. Memorize them. Mediate on them. If you feel led sing them as you may do popular songs. Sing them to our Lord. Keep them close at heart for when you need them most. Wither it be your next jump attempt on the pole vault or a project at school or work."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC ~ http://selahchurch.com
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