Scripture:
Psalms 46:1-3 NKJV
[1] God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
Observation:
The Book of Psalms is the longest in the bible. 150 chapters in all. Some of them are very short chapters but that does not lessen the impact they have. The word psalm means exactly how it sounds it’s a song a hymn or a prayer. The definition of the word says it’s something that is repeated during worship to remind or bring to memory the attributes of GOD. We landed on Psalm chapter 46 this morning verses 1 through 3. The purpose of these few short verses is simple. It describes GOD’S character. HE is always ready to help. In fact, verse 1 describes HIM as an ever-present help in times of trouble this tells us that trouble will come. And we should not be alarmed by it. The writer of this moment of worship wants us to know that there is a place of safety and refuge, tucked right up under the wings of the Father. That in our distress the LORD will help. Verse 2 continues to reassure us that there is no reason to fear. GOD is a faithful and reliable source of help. Even if the world seems to be falling apart. GOD is ready willing and able to help. There is no reason to be overcome with fear. As we move on to verse 3 we see that even in the face of circumstances that are out of our control in the chaos and calamity those who trust in the LORD are not shaken or moved. No matter what it looks like those who trust in the LORD have nothing to fear.
Application:
It’s easy to get caught up in your circumstances. To look at what’s going on and trust in what you can do about it, or be overwhelmed by it and run in fear. One of the verses that come to mind as I wrote this is Joshua Chapter 1 verse 9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, the LORD your GOD WILL be with you wherever you go. I love that verse. My daughter gave it to me on a necklace that hangs in my truck. It reminds me as a child of the one true king, no matter what GOD has got me. There is no reason to cower in fear. Romans chapter 8 verse 31 is another verse I run to when things get a little overwhelming and it looks like it’s all going to fall apart. At the beginning of this SOAP, I defined what Psalms meant and gave the purpose for them. I believe the entire Bible is designed to be repeated in our acts of worship. Now not to chase a rabbit but to define what I just said. An act of worship is not only raising your hands to GOD in a moment of surrender but also standing on what HE said when it looks like it’s just not going to happen. Worshipping GOD means trusting HIM and what His word says over what we see and what is going on all around us. I have said this before, but I believe it bears repeating. The phrases fear not or do not fear, be not afraid, or some form of removal of fear is repeated over 300 times. I believe it’s about 365 times. To be exact. So I’m wondering what the LORD is trying to tell us. GOD has given us victory. The enemy uses our circumstances to get us in a position of fear because he knows if he can get us to react out of fear we will make a wrong choice. Have you ever seen a horror movie? A person is running from some psycho with a knife and the psycho never runs. He keeps a steady pace knowing that the fear the person is facing is going to cause them to make a mistake. GOD has not only given us authority but HE has given us victory. It’s not something we fight for. It has already been obtained. Some of the last words that Jesus uttered were it is finished. HE had conquered it all. Those who trust in the LORD can rest assured that HE does not run nor does HE lose. Let the battle rage because, in the end when the dust settles, we will be standing there in victory. It doesn’t matter what it looks like now. I’m going to leave you with this. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding acknowledge HIM in all your ways and HE will make your path straight.
Prayer:
Father, you are so amazing. You knew that one of the number one things that we would have to overcome is fear. So you gave us an instruction book on how to do so. We just want to thank you for that. We are not coming to you this morning with some kind of grocery list of things we want you to do for us because you have already done it all. The work is finished, it is done. There is no reason to fear the grave has been conquered. You are good you are GOD and that is more than enough we can stand knowing that you do not lose and you choose us to fight for. Thank you for the victory. Help us to stand with confidence in front of a defeated enemy. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.