Day 26 - Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge.
In the past week, earthquakes have struck, the oceans roared and foam and the ground shook as the tsunamis hit the countries that ring the Indian Ocean. But the Lord our God is our strength and our refuge. And in this time of trouble, He will be our help. But don’t stop there.
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God Himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day.
Streams have overflowed, rivers have broken their banks; but there will come a time when all the rivers will flow in one direction and become one. This is the river of life, that leads to the City of God. A place which is immune to destruction, no flood, no crashing wave can destroy it.
The nations are in uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God Thunders and the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
In the past few years, the nations have been in uproar, we have seen governments and kingdoms collapse. Like those in Afghanistan and Iraq. But that is just the beginning. God is going to thunder once more and the earth will shake in fear.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how He brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; He burns the shields with fire.
It’s a strange passage. How can destruction bring an end to war? But that has indeed happened. One single act of God, an earthquake, and hundreds of thousands die. But, we see an unprecedented outpouring of help and generosity.
Many nations have put aside their differences and have started to render aid to the affected nations. Nations coming together, a coalition of many nations have come together to render aid.
Even the rebel groups in Aceh and Sri Lanka have started to lay their weapons aside at the call of their governments to help those who are hurting.
Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is out fortress.
Be still. For even in this time of trouble God is in control. And He does so, so that the world will come together as one to honour the Lord Almighty.
