3 Encouragements From Psalm 46 for Times of Trouble

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, " Psalm 46:1-2a

The Power of God working for us. "God is our refuge and strength,"

God has the power to keep us safe.  He is our refuge.

Cities of refuge were provided in ancient Israel.  When someone killed another person by accident, they could go to the nearest city of refuge and know that the next of kin of the deceased would not be able to hurt them in revenge.  They were protected there.  We can run to the Lord for refuge in times of trouble for protection.  We can be secure in His strength.  He has only to speak the words and the earth came into existence. "The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted." (verse 6)

The Presence of God working with us. "a very present help in trouble"

"The Lord of Hosts is with us..." (Verse 7)

Jesus' name, Emmanuel, means "God with us."  And He said,  "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrew 13:5b). We don't have to face our troubles by ourselves.  We can pray for help.  Others can also pray for us.  This gives much hope that things will be okay.

The Peace of God working in us. "Therefore will not we fear"

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (verse 10)

In Philippians 4:4-7, we are given a few steps to follow in order to have this wonderful peace in our hearts.  1.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Note the word "always".  This means in good times and in bad times.  2. "Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand" We need to get along with everyone and be kind to one another. 3. Don't worry about anything. Pray, be thankful for everything and give your concerns and requests to the Lord. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

So, be confident and have peace in knowing that we have a mighty, powerful God, who knows and loves us so much that He wants to help and be with us through all circumstances.

Note: Inspired by a devotional by Derick Cleave from the UK.

Being in the Presence of God Brings on a Reaction

I was listening to an inspirational song, where the songwriter tries to imagine what he would do when he sees Jesus face to face in heaven.  Would he stand or would he fall on his knees?  Would he sing Hallelujah or just be silent?... It’s a beautiful song.  It got me thinking; does the Bible give any examples of people’s reaction, when they came into God’s presence?  Here are a few that I found.

In the presence of God:

• Adam and Eve hid themselves, after they disobeyed God in the Garden (Genesis 3:8).
• The people were afraid – When Moses went up the Mountain to meet with God and they heard the thunderings and saw the lightning flashes and smoke. (Exodus 20:18)
• Ezekiel fell on his face (Ezekiel 1:28)
• All men will shake (Ezekiel 38:20)
• Jonah fled (Jonah 1:3)
• People feared (Haggai 1:12)
• Isaiah saw his own unworthiness and said, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5)
• The Apostle John fell at his feet as dead (Revelation 1:17)
• The people, who had rejected the Lord Jesus Christ were standing and waiting to be judged from the books at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-12)

These examples sound like it’s a very scary thing to be in God’s presence.  For sure, we must have reverence before Him.  Yet, there is comfort in knowing that if we know and abide in the Lord, we can feel safe.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; 
My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1)

We can also experience fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore in His presence!

“You will show me the path of life; 
In Your presence is fullness of joy; 
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

How can we “know” Him?  The only way is through The Lord Jesus Christ. 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)

Jesus told us that we need not be afraid.  He has prepared a place for us in Heaven.  Not only can we imagine, but with joy look forward to seeing Him face to face!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)