Words from the Pastor
Have you read Psalms 46 lately? This is what it says; “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Isn’t that beautiful? Essentially, what the Psalmists (The sons of Korah) are saying here is that no matter what is going on around us, no matter how rough our situation looks, God’s got this! He is an Ever-present help in times of trouble! So, we don’t need to worry about anything. Even though it looks as if the whole world is crumbling around you (Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea), God is bigger than all of that! It doesn’t always feel that way does it? But He is. He has proven over and over and over again that He can handle any situation! And the Psalm says, “Therefore we will not fear.” It doesn’t say “Therefore you don’t have to fear,” or “Therefore it’ll be alright if you don’t fear.” Oh no, it says, “Therefore we will not fear.” Will NOT fear! That’s easier said then done isn’t it?
Usually when I am having troubles of any sort I am busy trying to figure out how to fix it and thinking about what I can do next. But see what it says there towards the end of this passage of Scripture? “He says ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” He says! God Himself says that so you and I need to be still and know and trust Him. In other words, “sit-stay” and know that I am God. When we tell that to our doggies (Remember, man’s best friend before you think I am calling you a dog!!), what are we doing? We are trying to teach them something aren’t we? And do you think that maybe that is what God is doing with us?
I believe that in each and every situation that our Heavenly Father brings us into and allows in our lives, it is there to teach us one thing, and that is to completely trust Him for the outcome. Completely rely on Him and to be still and know that He really truly is God. What sweet peace there will be in our lives if we are able to step out of the boat, take His hand and walk through the storm knowing that He is in perfect control. But, just like Peter, do I take my eyes off of Jesus and look at the waves around me and cry out to Him, “Lord save me! I am drowning!” and guess what? He does, over and over again. He is good like that.
So, let’s just trust Him. He’s got this! “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full I His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!” That’s a promise!!
Please let me know if you need anything. You pray for me and I’ll pray for you. Naomi and I love you all. -Pastor Steve