January 3, 2024

Psalm 46:1-7 (HCSB)
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.  Selah
4 There is a river—
its streams delight the city of God,
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God is within her; she will not be toppled.
God will help her when the morning dawns.
6 Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
7 The Lord of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.  Selah

Pastor HD Jones
Circumstances affect us.  There is no human way for us to remain neutral or unchanged by what is going on around us.  Have you ever received one of those phone calls or a knock on the door when someone has to share difficult news?  Immediately we are affected by those circumstances when our hearts sink or our blood pressure soars or we jump into action not knowing really what we can do in the moment.  I couldn’t help but think about the disciples in the boat within a storm while Jesus slept.  “The waters roar and foam” and these professional fisherman are afraid but then there is Jesus who will calm the storm.
The Psalmists doesn’t say we will never fear but he says “when God is our refuge and strength” then we don’t need to be afraid.  Many times I can’t change my circumstances and most of the time I can’t alleviate my fear BUT I can lean in on the One who is my refuge and strength.  The hymn reminds us “turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”.