The Bible is rich with promises for us. Yet when calamity strikes our lives, we often see these promises as empty words. It's easy for us to say that God's promises don't hold up in the events of the world and we take it upon ourselves to deal with the situation. I think it's easy for people to view the Bible as irrelevant during times of trial. However, if we look closer in the Scriptures, we see it's in the context of suffering these promises are given.
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 its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Look at what David is saying here in Psalm 46, God is a "very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." David isn't saying that there won't be trouble, because there will be. Jesus promises us that. He says, "in this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world." Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way. Though plagues sweep the land, though there are fires in the world, death and war, we will not fear.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
There are rising contentions between nations. Kingdoms rage and fight; disease spreads, people panic and yet it is here where we find our refuge in God. God is our refuge and strength, that doesn't mean we won't see trial, it means He can get us through trial.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
We read here that God has providence over the earth. There are wars, but He makes them cease. There is sickness, but He brings health. There is death, but through Christ, there is everlasting life. God promises us salvation, the ultimate refuge. Though there are wars and viruses, though there is chaos and fear, we will not fear. Because at the end of the day, come hell or highwater, God holds each of us. "Be still," He says. "And know that I am God."
Comments