Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by events and am disoriented –
… the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [Psalm 46:2-3]
In such times I am comforted by the Lord as I look back at times of rescue and reflect on his care. There is a joy at odds with the circumstances.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. [Psalm 46:4]
Things don’t necessarily end as I want, but I have confidence that I will look back knowing my Father has brought good and that it has been a blessing.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. [Psalm 46:5]
So, in dark times I look forward to break of day, that moment when Jesus Christ appears with his grace. This brings me back to v1 –
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though …
Anticipating Jesus’ grace there is a choice not to fear. Fear wells up as I presume events will follow a natural course. Jesus is bigger than events!
Instead I choose to hold onto Jesus’ peace that floods in when I recognise and surrender to his sovereign control.
Allowing fear, I strike out in selfishness and hurt people. Choosing God’s grace and peace, love flows into me and out to others.