Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (vv 1-3)

This psalm makes one thing clear: it is vital to know God and familiarise ourselves with His character. Day after day, we hear news of plagues and earthquakes in far and near lands. There are wars and rumours of wars. Terrorism looms on the horizons of our lives as the media spews out tidings of random violence all over the world. Our only certainty in life is that, plan as we might, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring our way.

But the psalmist reminds us that we can absolutely depend on God, because in the midst of all the turmoil, He remains the same: loving, shielding, protecting, reassuring. The psalmist goes on to point out that in the city where God's glory dwells, He:

...is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early (v 5).

We are His dwelling place, and for as long as we remain on this earth, we can expect Him to come to our aid. However, unless we are truly familiar with this fact, we can struggle under the weight of the troubles we face daily.

What is your first reaction when you receive bad news? The psalmist encourages you to look to God when everything is shaken around you. When you need somewhere to hide, run to God - He is a great hiding place. This is how David says it elsewhere:

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Ps 32:7)

How well do you know Him? How many of God's exploits are you personally familiar with? If you cannot honestly say you've seen Him at work, then dive into your nearest bible. Spend enough time in there, and you will be amazed at the wonders he has performed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Study even more and you will begin to sense that these wonders were not reserved for biblical times. God's plan is to preserve your life when you place your trust in Him. Not only do you have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and help bear your burdens, God has awesome plans for your life that will bring glory to His name. Stay in His presence until you discover what they are.

Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life - our world is a fallen one, and will not be made perfect until His return - but He also encouraged us:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

He has given you the key to finding peace - peace is found in Him. While the present world system has nothing of eternal benefit to offer us, in Christ we find strength, peace, help, solace, and refuge. Make the following scripture your declaration today:

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue (me) from every trap and protect (me) from deadly disease. He will cover (me) with his feathers. He will shelter (me) with his wings. (adapted from Psalm 91: 2-4 NLT)

Psalm 46 Full Reading