7 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Leviticus 27:14 – Numbers 1:54
Mark 11:1-25
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 10:23
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT): “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Virtually every one of us deals with anxiety at one time or another. Life is tough. Illnesses come. Relationships go south. There’s not enough money at the end of the month. It’s only natural (human) to worry and fret.
Yet, our verse for today calls us to trust. It calls us to rest. It reminds us that God is our fortress into which we can run in times of trouble and be safe.
When our boys were younger, and we all lived in Brooksville, Florida, we would frequently visit St. Augustine. In that city, there is a fort called the Castillo de San Marcos. The walls are incredibly thick. While there is an open area in the middle, it is surrounded on all sides by large rooms built out of coquina. After the coquina is bonded together, it has the appearance and feel of thick concrete. If a horrible lightning storm or even a tornado was to converge on that part of town, I have no doubt at all that we could run into that fort and be completely safe. Everything around us could be destroyed, but that fort is built so soundly that I’m convinced it could withstand most of what nature could throw at it.
The Psalmist would have us know that God is better than that fort. When the storms of life have surrounded us, we can find protection in our God.
Now, what does that mean? Does it mean that we will never be harmed? Nope. If we read Hebrews 11:35-40 and observe the experience of those who proved their faithfulness to their Lord, we realize that many of them experienced horrible tragedies.
So, what is the comfort to be found in Psalm 46:1-3?
Simply that our faith allows us to rest in a God that we love and trust. We know that regardless of what is happening around us, our God loves us more than we could ever imagine. We rest in the fact that whatever is taking place had to come through His hands (He either willed it or allowed it). We also take comfort in knowing that He has promised to work everything (good AND bad) out for our ultimate good – to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).
If we are convinced of these truths, we can find comfort in our God even as the storm rages. While others around us may be filled with terror, we can sleep peacefully because we trust our wonderful God.
Mark 4:37-38 (NLT): “But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”
Are you anxious about something? Then ask God to give you the faith to trust in Him. How do you know that you are trusting? Simply ask yourself the question: “Regardless of what is going on around me, am I restful?”
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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