"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . ." (Psalm 46:1-2). This morning's psalm seems to be coming at just the right time for our congregation and our world. Inside our church family, many of us are still mourning recent losses, experiencing physical illness, or carrying other burdens. Outside our church walls, the media is filled with "wars and rumors of war" (Matthew 24:6). Whether in reports of events in the Middle East or in news from a church sanctuary in Texas, "destruction and violence are before us" (see Habbakuk 1:3). These are times when we could easily give fear a foothold in our hearts.
But in the midst of such chaos, Psalm 46 calls us to choose courage instead of fear and trust instead of worry. "The Lord of hosts is with us" (v.11), and our God is one who "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (v.9). Instead of the frantic activity driven by anxiety, this psalm invites us to slow down and hear God's voice saying, "Be still and know that I am God" (v. 10). God is our refuge and strength, and he is here with us to help when trouble surrounds us. In that hope, let us pray with confidence for God's peace to quell the fears in our world, both near and far.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris