Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present (continuously present) help in trouble. THEREFORE we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters of it roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling of it.”
How scary is our future on this planet?!! This prophetic trilogy psalm of David’s shares a future time of upheaval on this earth. Prophecies by David, Daniel, Jesus, and John the Beloved all point to this season of actual, physical turmoil that will be experienced by planet Earth and its inhabitants. Here David predicts that Earth itself will protest its vehement abuse.
Jesus foretold, “And there shall be signs in the sun-moon-and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear.” (Luke 21: 25-26). John says: “-and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great-and the cities of the nations fell.” (Revelation 16:18-19) BUT with all these dire warnings about a future, horrific time, David offers hope: GOD HIMSELF!
David calls God our refuge, our shelter from storm or danger; what we hope or trust in for safety. Just like the ark was a place of refuge during a time of judgment, God will be our Ark of Safety. We can hope and trust in Him.
David also calls God our strength; material, physical, or political might. Only God can set the timetable for this time of tribulation. He knows when it begins. And He alone has the power to end it at the appointed time. He is physically capable of stopping the turmoil and politically capable of bringing world peace through the Kingdom of His Son.
Finally, David refers to God as a “very present help.” God is eternally present and eternally prepared to jump in and stop the madness. Not only does this apply to a future time of distress, but also applies to the needs of our lives right now. Am I in a season of hardship and chaos? Is God capable of calming my storms and being the peace that I need? Yes!
May we not worry about our future on this planet. May we trust God to be our refuge, strength, and ever-present help!
