Psalm 46 Living Bible (TLB)
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. 2 And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!
Trouble? We’ve got it. Are we endangered? God is our refuge. Are we powerless? God is our strength. Have we seen His past faithfulness? Then we don’t need to fear. No matter what happens.
4 There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God—the sacred home of the God above all gods. 5 God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. 6 The nations rant and rave in anger—but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin.
God, our refuge and strength, is our source of joy, especially in times of trouble. Joy flows where God lives. If we are His dwelling place, and we are (I Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), we are invited to drink deeply of that river, letting the joy flow in and through us. God has all of everything in His charge. He stands unmoved. He is our help.
7 The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us.
He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.
8 Come, see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world 9 and causes wars to end throughout the earth, breaking and burning every weapon. 10 “Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!”
11 The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us!
He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us!
Rescue is on the way. Indeed, it is already here. God is sovereign over every fearful and frightful thing that happens. We are to watch quietly and wait, knowing Him, and honoring Him. It is His due. He is God.
And because He, God, commands the heavenly armies, rescue is surely on the way. Indeed, it is already here.
Troubles are often the tools
by which God fashions us for better things.
Henry Ward Beecher
The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is the place to go! And he knows everyone who trusts in him! Nahum 1:7 Living Bible (TLB)