Our Confidence for the Calm

Psalm 46:1 (ESV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Who doesn't love this Psalm.

It presents us with three dimensions of the calm the Lord our God offers.

First, in the face of cataclysmic disaster God is our calm:
Psalm 46:2–3 (ESV) Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

We can come to the "river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High."

Our world is full of things we cannot control. But in our God we find refuge and strength for it all. We do not find escape. Sometimes we will experience trouble. But God is "present help in trouble."

Second, in the face of evil kingdoms in this world, God is our calm:
Psalm 46:6 (ESV) The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

Why should we worry who is against us? God is with us! (See verse 7).

Finally, in the internal struggle of our own peace, God is our calm:
We can be our own worst enemy, worrying and caring for things within. We carry burdens in our hearts that we are not meant to carry. We must...
Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

From the uncontrollable events of life, to the attacks of hostile people to our own inward struggle for peace, only God is the answer to our calm. And what is our calm? His glory! He will be exalted among the nations and in the Earth. God's glory is our highest aim, it is what we were created for (Isaiah 43:7).

The only command in this entire Psalm is this: Be still, and know HIM. That is our job. Worrying about the rest is His. Get alone with God. Be silent before Him. The world is full of noise, but in His presence is peace and joy. What could you be missing because you simply never stop to be with Him?

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