STRENGTH FOR THE TROUBLED
By Greg Hooker
One would have to be living isolated in the Himalayas’ with no contact to the outside populace not to realize the world is in the first stages of chaos. Governments are imploding, morals values are decaying, wars are erupting, God is being eliminated, common human decency is no longer practiced, natural disasters occur across the entire globe, Satanic practices are performed on the capital steps, witches cast spells and enchantments and much, much more. The alarming fact is it’s going to get worse, much worse. All in all we are witnessing the beginning of the last days ushering in the appearance of the Man of Sin, the Antichrist.
Moreover the vast majority of the people’s of the world are confused and perplexed at this escalation of these abnormal string of developments. Yet as born-again Christians we should have a different perspective on current events, for the Word of God describes in detail all the unusual developments that have evolved in the last few years.
We are indeed entering troublesome times. But for those who are Gods children, we should have a different outlook on current events. Why? Because the Bible goes into great detail concerning the times leading up to the removal of the Lords saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), emergence of the Antichrist (1 Thessalonians 2:8), and the forthcoming tribulation (Matthew 24:21) prophesied in Scriptures. Listen to Psalm 46:1-3,
“God is our refuge (shelter) and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
This is not a Psalm of David, but of the sons of Korah. It is actually an ancient song sang by the Old Testament people praising the Lord for His mighty power in delivering them from their enemies.
Be that as it may, Psalm 46:1-3 is also for our admonition and benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No one contests the fact that great social, economical, and religious change has transpired in the last few years causing concern, uncertainty, and even wide-spread panic. Yet in this Psalm the Lord offers hope and prospective for all who love and trust Him.
1. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The word “refuge” denotes “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” In other words the Lord is offering us a place of shelter to keep us out of danger and trouble. There is no safer place than under the wings of God (in His Word and prayer). He will protect and shelter us from all harm if we will trust and obey Him. After all we are His children and He is our Father, and like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings, God provides top-level love, compassion, and protection from any and all enemies.
2. “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
Almost daily we hear of earthquakes, landslides, tsunami‘s, volcanic eruptions, tornados, hurricanes, etc. The recent escalation of these events around the world are not a coincidence. They are prophesies foretold thousands of years ago by prophets, men for whom the Lord chose to inform and warn us.
But notice what the Psalmist tells us about these alarming events coming to pass, “Therefore will not we fear” This begs the question, “why shouldn’t we fear?”
Because God is our refuge, our shelter in these times of uncertainty and trouble. He loves His children as that mother hen loves her brood. With out-stretched arms of love He surrounds us with His great compassion and love, and expects us to relinquish complete and total trust to His wisdom.
3. “Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
It makes no difference what life throws at us, the Lord insures His undivided attention. The waters of life may threaten to drown us sending us to a watery grave. The raging waves may seek to bash us against the jagged rocks. The mountains may fall and crumble around us, but through it all, God has our backs!
There is nothing like placing all worries, concerns, and heartaches in the caring hands of Jesus Christ. His hands were pierced for our afflictions. They still retain the scars as a reminder of His never ending care for His children.
Psalm 46:1-3 concludes with the word “Selah” meaning to lift up, and exalt. Let each of us lift the name of the Lord and exalt Him in our daily lives.
By Greg Hooker
One would have to be living isolated in the Himalayas’ with no contact to the outside populace not to realize the world is in the first stages of chaos. Governments are imploding, morals values are decaying, wars are erupting, God is being eliminated, common human decency is no longer practiced, natural disasters occur across the entire globe, Satanic practices are performed on the capital steps, witches cast spells and enchantments and much, much more. The alarming fact is it’s going to get worse, much worse. All in all we are witnessing the beginning of the last days ushering in the appearance of the Man of Sin, the Antichrist.
Moreover the vast majority of the people’s of the world are confused and perplexed at this escalation of these abnormal string of developments. Yet as born-again Christians we should have a different perspective on current events, for the Word of God describes in detail all the unusual developments that have evolved in the last few years.
We are indeed entering troublesome times. But for those who are Gods children, we should have a different outlook on current events. Why? Because the Bible goes into great detail concerning the times leading up to the removal of the Lords saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), emergence of the Antichrist (1 Thessalonians 2:8), and the forthcoming tribulation (Matthew 24:21) prophesied in Scriptures. Listen to Psalm 46:1-3,
“God is our refuge (shelter) and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
This is not a Psalm of David, but of the sons of Korah. It is actually an ancient song sang by the Old Testament people praising the Lord for His mighty power in delivering them from their enemies.
Be that as it may, Psalm 46:1-3 is also for our admonition and benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No one contests the fact that great social, economical, and religious change has transpired in the last few years causing concern, uncertainty, and even wide-spread panic. Yet in this Psalm the Lord offers hope and prospective for all who love and trust Him.
1. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The word “refuge” denotes “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” In other words the Lord is offering us a place of shelter to keep us out of danger and trouble. There is no safer place than under the wings of God (in His Word and prayer). He will protect and shelter us from all harm if we will trust and obey Him. After all we are His children and He is our Father, and like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings, God provides top-level love, compassion, and protection from any and all enemies.
2. “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
Almost daily we hear of earthquakes, landslides, tsunami‘s, volcanic eruptions, tornados, hurricanes, etc. The recent escalation of these events around the world are not a coincidence. They are prophesies foretold thousands of years ago by prophets, men for whom the Lord chose to inform and warn us.
But notice what the Psalmist tells us about these alarming events coming to pass, “Therefore will not we fear” This begs the question, “why shouldn’t we fear?”
Because God is our refuge, our shelter in these times of uncertainty and trouble. He loves His children as that mother hen loves her brood. With out-stretched arms of love He surrounds us with His great compassion and love, and expects us to relinquish complete and total trust to His wisdom.
3. “Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
It makes no difference what life throws at us, the Lord insures His undivided attention. The waters of life may threaten to drown us sending us to a watery grave. The raging waves may seek to bash us against the jagged rocks. The mountains may fall and crumble around us, but through it all, God has our backs!
There is nothing like placing all worries, concerns, and heartaches in the caring hands of Jesus Christ. His hands were pierced for our afflictions. They still retain the scars as a reminder of His never ending care for His children.
Psalm 46:1-3 concludes with the word “Selah” meaning to lift up, and exalt. Let each of us lift the name of the Lord and exalt Him in our daily lives.