Drama sells. Who doesn’t love a good movie full of action or drama…or both! Before COVID-19, we might pay $25 for movie ticket, popcorn and soda. Now we binge watch tv shows on Netflix or Hulu.
Writers leave us in suspense trying to figure out how the story will end. Sometimes my stomach is in knots during a Liam Neeson movie. Two hours later, he rescues everyone and my stomach settles down. Even though I know the movie will end with everyone safe, I still get caught up in the plot twists and turns.
When we are in the midst of our troubles, what do we assume the outcome will be? Do we go through with confidence? Or are we consumed with fear?
But our situations do not always end well in two hours like the movies. And the longer it lasts the more opportunity to fear.
We need to take notes and live by the same confidence the writer of Psalm 46 proclaimed in the midst of trouble.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
No matter the situation, God revealed an important truth. God alone is our security. God alone is our place of safety and strength. Not physical strength but spiritual strength. My ability to run 30 minutes on the treadmill cannot guard my mind during the night.
God is always available to be found. Whether I am crying out at 3:00 AM in my bed or 3:00 PM at my desk, God is there.
We never have to ask the question “God where are you?“
We face life differently when we have the assurance of God’s protection, strength and presence.
The psalmist started with the proper perspective….God first, then the mind-blowing circumstances.
When this psalm was written, they did not have technology to create movies like we watch today. But the imagery seems unbelievable! Imagine the whole earth giving way or changing at once. Imagine trekking up a mountain in Hawaii and on the way up it falls into the Pacific Ocean.
Even if all we have is suddenly ripped away or our once firm foundation is shaky ground, the psalmist tells us not to fear. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Waters roaring and foaming. This isn’t a May shower! It’s a tsunami! Have you ever felt like you were drowning because of life’s troubles? God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from troubles. God does not guarantee quick or easy delivery. But no matter the storm, we have a refuge in God.
How do we take refuge in a God we cannot see or touch? We place our trust in God. Cry out to God and believe He hears us. Listen for his response. Read and believe the word of God.
Father, thank you for the promise of being my refuge. No matter the trouble, you are my security. My strength comes from you. When fear rises, may the promises of your presence comfort and strengthen my heart. Thank you for always being near. Thank you for always being ready to help. In Jesus name, Amen.