God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though its waters roar and be troubled; though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3)
The opening line of this psalm is very familiar to most and is often quoted during times of trouble. In that light, you should know that the Hebrew word translated as “trouble” speaks of the overwhelming pressure that comes with being squeezed by life’s many challenges. In this psalm, the sons of Korah professed a belief that God will always be close at hand to deliver His people from such challenges. As they continued to expound upon this notion, they used descriptive language that some might consider to be hyperbole — “though the earth be removed,” etc. But let’s think about it: they were spared when the ground opened up and took their father, Korah, down into the earth. I would suggest that, from their point of view, this was not hyperbole — it was reality.
Being thus inspired, they remind us that the Lord is not distant from those who trust Him, no matter how desperate their plight may be. Throughout Israel’s history, the Bible records how the Lord stands ready to rescue His own when it seems that the world is in an uproar and is moved against the people of God. For instance when the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, threatened Jerusalem with his massive armies, over night the Lord destroyed 185,000 men. There was nothing left for the aggressor to do but go home in shame and defeat.
The Bible promises that there will be other such confrontations; for example, the war of Gog of Magog will threaten the very existence of Israel — but it will not succeed. As He has always done, the Lord will move to save His people. Tribulations will come and, in some measure, are already here. Nations are being shaken; kingdoms are crumbling, and with them, the institutions man has placed his trust in. As Messiah said, the nations of the earth will become agitated, the sea and the waves will roar and some men’s hearts will fail for the dread of things that are occurring. But those who trust Him should not give in to fear — the God of Israel is our refuge and strength. He has been and will continue to be standing by, ready to help and deliver those who place their confidence in Him.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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