The times are changing. However, one thing remains steadfast. Psalm 46 says, God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. We are certainly in those times today. Although the world may seem out of control, and perhaps you are plagued with anxiety and fear, you must step back from all the frustration, chaos and confusion and get some perspective. No matter what your trouble may be, God is ready. The Psalmist wrote this verse at a time when Jerusalem was threatened. The people were terrified of the ruthless and powerful Assyrians. They felt helpless against their highly trained warriors and superior weapons. Though you don’t live in Jerusalem and are not being attacked by the Assyrians, you may feel that you are under siege. Your family might be a bit crazy, and your foundations are being shaken, maybe your work is spinning out, or a relationship. Whatever your situation, God is ready to help, and God is exactly what you need and is ready exactly when you need him.

Scriptures – Psalm 46:1-3, 6-8, 10-11

Verses – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Ps 46:1) “Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Ps 46:10)

Thought – The only way to truly understand the refuge and strength that God provides is to experience it. It’s like when you’ve seen photos of someone’s vacation to Niagara Falls. The pictures are amazing, and you can see that it’s obviously spectacular, but until you experience it for yourself, up close and personal, the grandeur, the miracle, the awe-inspiring encounter is unknown. As Christ-followers, we recognize that God is awesome; He’s able and powerful. His creation is magnificent. But, until you truly find refuge in Him and experience His strength first-hand you are pretty much clueless. Sometimes there is nothing we can do to change our situation, yet we strive and stress and keep exerting a lot of energy and effort which is all in vain. “Be still and know that I am God!” (Ps 46:10) We must learn to be still and recognize that God is God. He is in control, no matter how out-of-control life may feel. 

Questions – What area of your life feels most out-of-control now? What uncontrollable situation have you turned over to God and truly found refuge in Him? How has it turned out for you and for the situation? Why can’t Christians figure out how to find refuge in God? What advice or guidance would you give someone to help them in that process? What does “Be still and know that I am God!” look like in your spiritual practices?

Response – Make a list of things that are out-of-control in your life. Choose 1 of them (to start with) and seek the refuge God offers in turning it over to his control. Find Scriptures to affirm your faith. Pray.

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for offering refuge and strength as I live each day in you. Thank you for standing by to help whenever I am in need. Thank you for being near and for the assurance of your love and presence. Help me to be still and to hear and respond to your voice and your call. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.