Where do we find refuge when tragedy strikes? When things seem to be getting tougher each day, where do we go for help? We are in the middle of this fight against an unseen enemy that has taken thousands of lives worldwide. And now, we are saddened by this new tragedy in Nova Scotia. Just last week, a gunman went on a shooting spree for more than 12 hours. Scores dead and many Canadians were saddened by this. And people struggle to make sense of all these things happening around us. And so today, I want to comfort all of us by saying we can Find Refuge in God when Tragedy Strikes. To take refuge in God means to find shelter in Him. It is in Him where we draw strength, find peace of mind and rest under His authority. These are the three things that I will be sharing with you today. We will see these three things in Psalm 46.
1. God provides strength.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.
“37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37
· God stood with and by His people.
· David relied and depended on God for refuge.
· God came to David’s aid and gave him strength to overcome dangers.
2. God’s presence provides peace of mind.
“2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:4-7.
· David used the metaphor of streams of water (for their crops and drinking water) and mountains (natural barriers against natural calamities) to teach that God can provide and protect.
· God’s provisions and protection provide peace of mind.
· Faith cancels fear.
“4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7.
3. God’s Authority protects us.
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV.
· When things seem to be out of control, it’s good to know that Someone far greater than all of us is in control.
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NASB
· More like an unyielding voice, an authoritative voice.
· “Cease striving” means to stop struggling.
· We struggle when we are anxious, worried and fearful.
· Many people tend to be irrational when they experience these negative feelings and emotions.
· We need to calm down to think clearly.
· When we cease struggling, we are able to hear God’s voice better (thru the Bible), manage and respond to our feelings and situation a lot better.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
· Believers need to spend more time reading the Bible to know God better.
· Biblical principles place us in the right path.
How do these divine truths affect the way you see life today?
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