...all

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help[at all times] in trouble." Psalm 46:1 [words in italics are mine]

Stress. Discouragement. Sadness. Fear. These and many more have the power to make us feel as if God has completely abandoned us to our own fates. They attack our joy, our home, and our self-esteem, BUT God is present in every one of our darkest circumstances; leaning in to comfort us and be our strength. As we seek God's face and learn to rely on Him, we have but to look up and see Him in all His wondrous Creation!  

 

Uncertainty has been the new stress in many of our lives in the last few years as we have seen an increase in pandemics and natural disasters. I have heard more "end time" conversations out of church than ever before. Christians and non-Christians alike are fearful of what disaster may come next. They nervously watch the news wondering if our country will be struck with the next devastating earthquake, or tornado, or if the tsunami waves across the ocean would be strong enough to reach our shores. 

I, too, have been among that audience and have found myself drawn into the worry of unpredictable weather and precarious illnesses. If you find yourself among the fearful and uncertain, then I pray that Psalm 46 can be a source of encouragement for you today. 

This Psalm is a song praising the Almighty; God in all His glory! Our Lord who controls the wind and the seas obey His voice; our God who moves the mountains with His mighty hand says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  

I believe that all that is happening in our world today is God trying to call us back to Him; that we might allow Him to be our refuge in times of trouble. Know that our God, in all His power, wisdom, and love, is the Lord of all and He will give you the strength you need to face all the uncertainty today might bring.