Struggling; tired; feeling all alone; lacking energy; overwhelmed with life; anxious; depressed; filled with fear. These words often describe the believer facing varying situations in life and dealing with the heaviness of emotions. The sons of Korah likely understood these same things as they wrote Psalm 46. Their trust in the Lord was secure, though it appeared that everything about them was failing; though it appeared the earth itself was about to overtake them; though it appeared the nations of the earth were raging in battle and about to destroy each other. God would not be overpowered; He would not forsake them; he would not walk away from them. They recognized He was sovereign over all things; nothing would happen which was out of His control. Though not understanding everything which took place, they knew that God did; they knew He would not be moved. In the midst of all the intense turmoil about them, the Lord spoke and their confidence was secure: “’Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” (Psalm 46.10-11).
As our world and emotions seem to be unleashed, may we stop, “be still,” and consider the greatness of our God. He has not changed; He will never change. Whether it is in the night, at the dawn of the morning, or during the height of the day, our Lord will always be in control; whether we understand or not; our Lord knows what is best and will accomplish His good purpose in and through us; whether we feel like victors or feel the oppression of our strongest foe, our Lord will show Himself powerful. Our responsibility? We are to trust Him; to believe Him; to accept Him as True and Truthful; to watch Him in victory, for there is coming a day when He will be fully “exalted” over all. The Lord is our confidence; He is our fortress.
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side,
the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
Martin Luther
Still and confident in our Lord – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 