Psalm 46
"God is our safe place and
our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So
we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into
the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with
storm and the mountains shake with its action.” NLV
Many
years ago, I was sailing with some friends on the Grand Traverse Bay in
northern Michigan when the winds suddenly picked up. We were in a 26 foot
sailboat, not big enough to withstand the tumult of the wind and the waves. The
sails quickly filled, and pulled the boat to about a 45 degree angel with the
water. My life flashed before me.
It’s
not very often that our world gets turned upside down, or using the metaphor of
Psalm 46; “the earth is shaking, the
mountains are falling and the waters go wild from the storm”. But it
happens, and not just literally like in the sailboat.
Maybe
you’re version of this metaphor is that you’re having trouble starting your career;
or you’re struggling after having a still born baby; or your workplace is not
just stressful, but oppressive; or your best friends seem to have drifted away;
or you make a move out of state away from family and friends. Take your pick.
How
do you respond when your world seems to be turning upside down? What do you do?
Who do you turn to?
In
our culture of rugged individualism, the first response is often to “dig in and
deal with it yourself”. Sometimes people will bury themselves in their work or
a relationship or even self-destructive behavior. The human spirit is capable
of discovering all kinds of ways to attempt to control their world.
So
many things in life can cause us to feel lost, alone, insecure, afraid, out of
control. The psalmist suggests turning to God; that He is our safe
place. When I was a little boy I used to crawl behind the couch and lay
snuggled between the couch and the heat vent. On a cold winter morning, it felt
like a very safe place.
How
do you get to your safe place; to the throne of grace; to hear His still small
voice; to know that He is God?
Take
time to reflect and mediate on the word of God. This will bring you into His
presence; into your safe place.
10 “Be quiet and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NLV
“…but the Lord was not in
the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the
earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord
was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11b-12 KJV
16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
“God is our safe place and
our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NLV
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