Posted on November 15, 2009 - by Admin
God our Refuge
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride” (Psalm 46:1-2)
In times of trouble, where do you find refuge? What is your source of strength and security? This Psalm is probably a record of God’s deliverance of Jerusalem from the armies of Assyria during the reign of King Hezekiah in 701 B.C. (See 2 Kings 18:13-19:37; 2 Chronicles 32:1-21; Isaiah 36:1-37:28). It is an acknowledgment of God’s presence, promises and providence over the total life of His people and our world. The Word has given us the reality – “For man is born for trouble, aas sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7); “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil.” (Job 14:1). We must accept this painful reality. But the Word also gives us a greater reality: He is with us and will never forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5-6) He does all things well! (Mark 7:37) He works all things together for good! (Romans 8:28) Underneath are the everlasting arms! (Deut. 33:27). Therefore we say with Psalm 46, “We will not fear”. May the peace and strength of God be a great source of refuge for you today. May His word edify your heart and mind to trust Him and His good works. He has worked, is working, and will be working to ensure His good plan for you. (Jer. 29:11)
Here is the ultimate hope seen by the Psalmist in 46:4, and the end to which all the works of God are moving: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God” . . . “And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb in the middle of the street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 22:1-2)
I will close with two great quotes from JI Packer on the trouble we often find ourselves in and how to find refuge in God - read both carefully
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“This comfortable pretence becomes part of us: we feel sure that God has enabled us to understand all His ways with us and our circle thus far and we take it for granted that we shall be able to see at once the reason for anything that may happen to us in the future. And then something very painful and quite inexplicable comes along, and our cheerful illusion of being in God’s secret councils is shattered. Our pride is wounded; we feel that God has slighted us; and unless at this point we repent, and humble ourselves very thoroughly for our former presumption, our whole subsequent spiritual life may be blighted.” (J.I. Packer)
“God can bring good out of the extremes of our own folly; God can restore the years that the locust has eaten They say that those who never make mistakes never make anything; certainly, these men made mistakes, but through their mistakes God taught them to know His grace, and to cleave to Him in a way that would never have happened otherwise. Is your trouble a sense of failure? The knowledge of having made some ghastly mistake? Go back to God; His restoring grace waits for you.” (J.I. Packer)
This week’s message:
God our Refuge Psalm 46
In times of trouble, where do you find refuge? What is your source of strength and security? This Psalm is probably a record of God’s deliverance of Jerusalem from the armies of Assyria during the reign of King Hezekiah in 701 B.C. (See 2 Kings 18:13-19:37; 2 Chronicles 32:1-21; Isaiah 36:1-37:28). It is an acknowledgment of God’s presence, promises and providence over the total life of His people and our world
1. Find refuge in the presence of God. (v.1-3)
Notice: God is a very present help in times of trouble, therefore we will not fear even the worst of circumstances.
Consider: Do you trust in the power of God over the earth and your life? How 2:13have you seen the presence of God at work in your life?
Related Scripture: Job 14:1; Psalm 147:15-20; Ecc. 7:14; John 14:1; 16:33; Heb. 13:5-6
2. Find refuge in the promises of God. (v.4-7)
Notice: The river of God in the city of God is a symbol of God’s peace and ultimate defeat of all enemies to His future peaceable kingdom.
Related Scripture: Isaiah 8:6; Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:14; 7:38; Revelation 22:1-5
3. Find refuge in the providence of God. (v. 8-11)
Notice: Behold the works of God – He is good and does good, and doeth all things well.
Consider: How much time do you spend reflecting on the goodness of the works of God?
Related Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 62:5-8; Mark 7:37; Romans 8:28
“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27)
“What I do you do not realize now, but you shall understand hereafter.” (John 13:7)