Sunday: A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble
Daily Lesson for Sunday 25th of May 2025
Read Psalms 46:1-11. What message of hope can we take from this amid the turmoil of life now and what we know is going to come upon the earth in the last days as the great controversy plays out here?
Psalms 46:1-11 appears to touch on a theme that we find in the book of Hebrews: that of something better. Jesus is better than the earthly high priest, His sacrifice is better than all the animal sacrifices, and the heavenly sanctuary is better than the types that existed on earth.
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
This psalm takes a different approach, however. The author is not taking good things and contrasting them with better things; he is contrasting a world in rebellion—and the terrible consequences it has brought—with promise of the better things that God is planning for us.
Indeed, this psalm is filled with hope and promise that, even amid the desolation and trial and suffering and wars that we face, ultimately we are to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10) and to rest in the assurance that one day all of this is going to end and that God “will be exalted in the earth” (Psalms 46:10).
Notice, too, what is written here. “Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalms 46:2, NKJV).
One cannot help but be reminded of the scenes that will take place at the Second Coming: “Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place” (Revelation 6:14, NKJV). And this: “Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12, NKJV). Our present world, with all its attendant evils, isn’t going to last forever, and what comes afterward promises us something that our minds now can barely fathom. For now, though, we just need to hold on, persevering in faith and clinging to the revelation of God that we have, especially in Jesus on the cross.
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However bad things are in this world (and we know they are going to get worse), what hope should you draw from your knowledge of the goodness, power, and character of God (think: the Cross)? |
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Psalm 46 is the source of so many inspiring hymns and gospel songs, and I am sure that Corinne, our "Singing with Inspiration", will reflect this in her post this week. It is worth rereading this psalm in some of the modern translations to get a deeper understanding.
"A Mighty Fortress is Our God" by Martin Luther is one such hymn. Loved and sung by so many Christians it expresses the strength of God in times of trouble and adversity. It is a powerful hymn and I can remember many times where we have sung it with full choir and orchestra and a congregation of a thousand. You come away from that sort of experience with a feeling of "Wow! God is good!"
And then it is back into the real world, where there is conflict and argument, violence, wars, political machinations, and difficult personal relationships. It is a reminder that its not just singing the hymn or reciting the psalm, but applying its principles in our lives.
"A mighty fortress is out God", or "God is our refuge and strength in a time of trouble", must be made meaningful in a world that does not believe in Him. And, it is up to us who believe to provide a safe place in a troubled world. We do not own God! For Him to be real, we must share him. The best way to make God real is to share his love with others.
We can take the apocalyptic approach and focus on the turmoil around us, or, we can accept the Gospel commission and extend the peace and safety of God's love to others.
"We can take the apocalyptic approach and focus on the turmoil around us, or, we can accept the Gospel commission and extend the peace and safety of God's love to others."
This statement presents an either-or choice, but in reality, both perspectives can coexist. We can acknowledge the turmoil around us (current/future apocalyptic state), while also embracing the Gospel commission, responding not with fear but by extending God's love, peace, and safety to others. Recognizing both allows for a more balanced and meaningful approach.
Amen!
The pathway of life is filled with difficult times, beginning with the difficult experience of birth. Starting school can be a trying experience for a child. Having a child leave home to go away to college, the service or get married is difficult for parents. At times securing a job can be a tough experience especially when your over qualified or under qualified. For some there are many disappointments along life’s pathway ranging from broken relationships, career setbacks when you are overlooked during promotions, losing a job unexpectedly, academic failures, unanswered prayers, the loss of a loved one/s that comes with deep grief and sorrow, unfulfilled dreams, besides health challenges, including chronic illness or sudden diagnoses that drastically change our way of life.
In the days of David the psalmist, people needed a refuge in the time of storm. Traditionally in African communities during the time of danger when enemies approached more often they would build a refuge in the form of a tower on the top of the highest hill accessible. In this place of refuge they sought safety. In ancient times, when danger loomed—whether from invading armies, wild animals, or natural disasters—communities often built a refuge in the form of a tower on the highest hill accessible. These towers were strongholds, constructed from stone or other durable materials, and were deliberately placed at elevated positions to give clear views of the surrounding area. From such heights, enemies could be seen from afar, and the elevation made the refuge easier to defend and harder to attack.
To those who fled there, the tower represented safety, strength, and hope. It was not just a physical shelter, but a symbol of protection and security—something sure and reliable in times of fear or uncertainty. Anybody under threat would retreat into these places with the faith that they would be shielded from whatever harm threatened them.
Today, God is our refuge to whom we can go when threatened by the storms of grief, poverty, joblessness, sickness, loneliness, among others, as promised in the word of the Lord.
Psalm 91:2 (NIV)
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Psalm 62:7–8 (NIV)
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Isaiah 25:4 (NIV)
“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”
During the Great Depression (1933), the American people were completely overwhelmed by fear. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during his inaugural speech, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. The American people were paralyzed by fear, which the President described as “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Fear is a terrible tyranny; it distorts reality and makes us retreat instead of advancing. Fear, when it is not controlled, impacts our actions, sense of judgment, and prevents us from doing what is necessary. Human fear is real, tangible, and devastating if not checked. However, there is One who holds the future, and He is telling us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
It is profoundly comforting and reassuring to know that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1), and therefore, there is no need to fear. When examining Psalm 46, our faith and hope are strengthened because the Creator of the heavens and the earth is our refuge. The confidence and assurance of the Psalmists (sons of Korah) are based on solid grounds.
1. God is our refuge and a very present help at the time we need help (Psalm 46:1). God is not distant; He is available when we need Him.
2. God is sovereign, and He controls the forces of nature (Psalm 46:2). God created the forces of nature; He speaks, and they obey.
3. God is amidst His people, and His presence is a source of peace and stability (Psalm 46:4-5)
4. God is always faithful (Psalm 46:8-9). God can be trusted. In the past, He showed up at the time of trouble.
5. God wants us to know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). "Be still, and know that I am God...". God delights in helping us at the time of trouble.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
There is a man in the Pacific Northwest that has let God guide him. Psalm 48:14. He and several church members are doing a work that is led by the Lord. They clean up yards, cut trees and leave fire wood as a free service to the needy and sometimes not so needy, much like when we go into mission field overseas, and the government is anti-Christian. We provide medical help, after 3 years we have a government that is more than happy to have Seventh-day Adventist around. God works in ways we do not often understand or may not necessarily relish. 1 Kings 3:14. Now what does 1st Kings have to do with this week's lesson. Answer: it talks about the major author of Psalms, who inspired by God, and better helps us understand prophecy. Hebrews 3:10-14. Is not being involved in helping others taking hold of the command in Psalm 46:10? "Be still and know that I am God." Going quietly about God's business is being 'still'. A famous preacher in the Seventh-day Adventist community, and read by others, stated, those that are ready for Jesus to come in the last days will be hot, not Lukewarm. Psalm 35:27-28, and Psalm 37:4-7, tells us how to be a part of what John the Revelator saw, a prophecy. Revelation 1:17, Revelation 3:18-22.
Where do I find Corinne’s post
https://ssnet.org/blog/9-in-the-psalms-part-2-singing-with-inspiration/
In 2 peter 3:12, the original Greek word used for "Hastening" is "Speudo," and this word has "Two meanings" the first is "Speed" and the second one is "eagerly await." And Peter is the only one that uses this word of all the Bible writers. So therefore it is the second meaning that he had to have been focusing on here: For us to be "Eagerly awaiting Jesus' Second coming," and also God's "Burning up the old world with its sin and sinners." We can no more "Hurry up" Jesus' Second coming than we could hurry up "His First Coming."
Also, why would the Apostle Peter go on to say that with God "A thousand years is like one day and vise versa?" Time is not an issue with God for Jesus Second Coming and we can no more hurry it up than His people could "Hurry up His First Coming," either,
Refuge. Our chipmunks used to run for safety under the shed where a small crawl space kept larger predators like the foxes, who also frequented our yard, out. But when we got a cat, that place of chipmunk refuge was gone. Louis, the "stone cold killer" (as the vet called his personality type), enjoyed regularly staking out the shed and scooting under the minute he saw a tiny stripy back fleeing away. It was a good enough refuge for the chippies for a time....dry cover for their tunnel entrances and near to the bird feeder action, hidden. But under new circumstances, they had to find new hiding spots.
Sometimes we take refuge in a place or with a person or group or activity that seems to ease our troubles or discomforts. But after a time we can see and acknowledge that the refuge we have chosen is either a temporary fix, an example might be talking the situation out to a friend or counselor, or it may not even be a healthy refuge at all, such as turning to numbing substances and other addictive behaviors.
Psalm 46 is telling us that ultimately there is only one refuge and source of strength. It doesn't mention God AND someone or something else. No. We'd best look to God first. Even when we turn to a friend or counselor, together look to God first is what I'm learning. Because notice, this psalmist doesn't state his problems first. He just heads right into his experience of God, which is that God is there in difficult periods. Every. Single. Time.
The refuge we get from God has nothing to do with any inherent traits in us. Timid and weak people hide under Him. Bold and strong people equally get their power from Him. Bruised reeds (the emotionally vulnerable) are supported by Him in just the right gentle way (Is. 42:3). The carefree also need to recognize their dependence upon God (Amos 6:1-7).
This psalm sounds as though it was written in time of crisis ("though the earth be removed"..."the mountains carried"..."the waters roar"...."the mountains shake" Ps. 46:2-3). These are probably the most frightening natural phenomenon possible, right?! Tsunamis. Earthquakes. Landslides. Volcanoes. Sudden disaster. So much bigger than us. For me right now, trying to be the advocate for my Mom through the healthcare system process after falling and a hip fracture. These things that we know can happen - old age, shifting ground - and yet when they come, they take our breath away due to the sheer survival energy required. A constant state of red alert. A predator always there.
But, the psalmist begins, God is greater than all of these life-shattering events. No need to fear. "Selah," the psalmist says. Selah is a punctuation stop. To me meaning, "Take time to pause and give this careful thought. Dwell in this truth. God is very near in trouble. Don't speak in haste. Don't crash in with my discordant note in the lifesong God is playing upon the instrument called 'me'. Be still and acknowledge God's sovereignty over every circumstance (Ps. 46:10). Stop my mouth and mind. Surrender. Quiet. Lay down my arms. Pray and let God be victorious. God is with me/us (Ps. 46:11)."
Psalm 91 is the best defense we have against the threats that keep coming at us and satan comes up with new strategies to vex us. The latest is AI which is fooling a of people. I was disappointed to see that Shawn Boonstra didn't mention Psalm 91 in his two lessons entitled, "In the Pslams"
God is love, and I must believe that one hundred percent. Thus, I must rest on Him because He knows the future and all things far more than I do.
Without Psalm 46:1, take time and study the image on this post. The mind get more and more trouble. This is why we need to have our whole being upon Jesus.
Good observation my brother! I showed my wife the image and she asked what is that, is that a flower? 🤔😆 For sure, keep our focus upon Jesus, otherwise our perspective can go sideways. Blessings to you!