Whenever and Wherever

O. T. #1237  "Whenever and Wherever"
July 9, 2018
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

LET IT GLOW

Help me Jesus! I don't know how many times I have whispered that desperate, short prayer. Guess what. He hears me whenever I am in dires straight. He hears me wherever I am-standing in need of an immediate fix. god did so for His beloved Israel, too. God is our refuge and strength.

Here is another song written by the chief musician of the sons of Korah. Perhaps it was written during the days of King Hezekiah when Sennacherib's forces were miraculously smitten by the angel of the Lord and the 185,000 Assyrians lay dead on the ground in 2 Kings 19:20-37.  (Falwell)

That gives us a better understanding of the situation. Even though this chapter is only 11 verses, it has deep spiritual insight for us:

 1. God is our refuge.
    While other nations boasted of the cliffs, iron gates, and mighty armies, Israel boasted in her
     refuge and strength being God.
     Refuge refers to a shelter; hope; trust.
     No matter our fear, whether it be a world-wide war or a petty personal problem, we can trust in 
     our God who controls all things. He works through them on our behalf. We live in a time that
     nuclear war threats are a reality. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are real in our own nation.
     Even in the face of total destruction of this earth, we can have a quiet confidence in God's ability
     to save us. Yet, our God is not so big that He doesn't see the happenings in our little situation. We
     can flee to Him and be safe, finding a shelter from problems.

Where do you hide when the enemy is attacking?

 2. God is our strength.
     He can help us bear our burdens, as we stand strong  and not crumble.
     Strength has various applications (force, security, majesty, praise); boldness, loud, power.
     God can fit us for service and suffering, being our strength.

LET IT GROW

3.  God is a very present help in trouble. 
     He is present to help us when we are in trouble. Whenever and whatever our need is, God is all-
     sufficient to aid us right then and there. We don't have to look for help or work for it to be
     deserved. Grace and mercy are following us to rescue us. Who is better than God to help us?

LET IT GO

... of my cares and worries.
... lay down  my burdens at Jesus' feet.
... be still and rest in His shelter and strength.