God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 KJV
The Context:
Another popular psalm, this one penned by the sons of Korah. There is no background story to the psalm, like some of David's songs, but there is no doubt that the words of today's extract come from a place of personal encounter. Until a man has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and come out on the other side, he may not fully understand the impact of God being a refuge and strength. It is one thing to listen to other people's testimonies, as they help strengthen faith, but it is the personal touch that deepens the personal experience. There is really no substitute for that personal encounter.
The Charge:
Have I met this God that this psalm talks about? Is He real to me, or he is still the product of my imagination? Life will happen to each one of us, but it is important that we have God on our side as we encounter life. Life is full of unpredictables; we need the certainty of God's power and presence if we will survive to the end. It is first personal before it becomes public. You don't celebrate a refuge unless you have had reason to run into one and be truly safe from certain trouble. You do not appreciate the value of divine strength until you have had seasons of weakness when you knew that if not for God, you would have missed the mark. What's your story?
The Conclusion:
God wants to be all He can be in my life, but there is a place of surrender that I must come to. His help is free and available, but He does not force it on anyone. He is called a very present help because no matter the dispensation or generation, He is always relevant. These statements in today's extract are laid out for my attention and reaction. I can choose to accept and live them out, or I can reject them and strike out on my own. If the latter is the reaction, be sure that it will not end well. God knows all that today and tomorrow hold, and only in Him am I truly safe. What is your reaction/response? God's time of favour is here.
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