The God of Jacob Is Our Fortress!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Timothy Ho, Associate Pastoral Team Member, Youth Ministry )
READ:
Psalm 46 (ESV)
OBSERVE:
The Psalm describes overwhelming circumstances, like frightening natural phenomena (v2-3) and raging battles (v6, 9) which may strike fear in people’s hearts.
However, it also describes a God who is mighty and powerful (v6), and capable of changing things (v8-9). The Psalm offers the assurance of God’s presence with us. He is our refuge and strength (v1a), a help in trouble (v1b), in our midst (v5), and a fortress (v7,11).
In view of these things, the instruction is clear: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (v10).
APPLY:
I considered what it means to be fearless amidst such overwhelming circumstances. I looked back over this year, when there were raging battles in my personal relationships which drained me emotionally and spiritually. In ministry, there are often seemingly insurmountable tasks which depend on my ability to “make it happen”.
My instinctive tendency in the face of such situations is to immediately act and do everything within my power to find the best (most constructive, effective, helpful, efficient) way forward. I get anxious to do the next thing and I am often impatient when there is no progress.
This Psalm reminds me to slow down to remember who God is. I am to be still, to take time to acknowledge God’s presence with me in every moment. To remember the sheer magnitude of His power and might, and how small I am in comparison to Him. To be in awe of who God is and surrender these matters to Him.
DO:
I will persist in practicing the discipline of silence and taking pauses for being still before God in prayer. For me, these moments are on the commute, before starting meetings, as I begin a period of office work, or even during toilet breaks!
PRAY:
Almighty Father, in the face of overwhelming circumstances, help me to remember who You are – great, mighty, powerful. Grant me the assurance of Your presence and the spiritual eyes to see how You are helping me. Please fill my heart with peace to be still in light of Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
