One day this week we decided to head out to the beach. We love going to the beach. The sun, waves, breeze all make for a very relaxing time. Our reason was certainly to enjoy the beach but also because our schedule is beginning to change. We will be traveling on the weekends as we go to preach as a pulpit supply through the month of May. We have also been asked to be available to encourage them and provide some assistance the first part of each week. So the schedule each week will be busier for us with responsibilities and travel.
So as we were at the beach, we usually read, talk and go for a walk. Of course, we have some lunch and just enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I know I offer up prayers as I focus on the Lord in this wonderful setting. Elaine does to and we might even get a little nap, well I know Elaine will.
There is a serenity at the beach just as there is in other places any of us might get away to from time to time. The mountains, woods even the open road. Away from our normal day in and day out places and responsibilities.
What is interesting as we get away is that the world seems to be just a little less stressful. Let’s be honest, this world is getting more and more stressful every day. So how do we do this stressful life day in and day out?
Scripture provides much on this question. Psalm 46 is one those places in Scripture where we find the ability to do this stressful life day in and day out.
Psalm 46 NKJV
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 46 was an important word for God’s people. It reminded them of His unfailing love and provision. It is a part of a section of Scripture where the Psalmist is speaking of the power which God has and security which God provides. There is no reason given as to what was happening at the time the Psalmist wrote. Maybe there was a conflict at hand or as one has said possibly a war. Well, whatever it was is certainly something that we can understand because there is a lot going on in our world today that cause us to wonder.
There are several things we can learn from these words of the 46th Psalm. You will note that at the end of verses 3, 7 and 11 we read the word Selah. There is much said on the meaning of the word and its origin. The Amplified Bible adds “pause and calmly think about that” to each verse where Selah appears. This certainly seems to embrace the word even from what might be its various origins.
So from these three divisions and as The Amplified Bible adds “pause and calmly think about that” let’s take a look at Scriptures answer to the question, to each of these, Selah.
1) He is our refuge and strength.
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
Life is hard and you know that because you have experienced that fact. There are times when we just need to find protection from what is happening around us. We cannot continue to fight this battle of survival. We need refuge and strength because it is a troublesome time.
The thing we do is fear what is happening around us. God’s Word simply tells us don’t do that because God is A very present help in trouble. No matter how bad things are or get God has it covered, selah “pause and calmly think about that”.
2) He is our river and joy.
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
It is not only the mental, which are the emotional parts of us that are affected, but also the physical functional parts. When we are told not to fear there is a reason for that and it is because fear can do mental and physical harm to us.
Living water comes from the throne of God and we receive joy and gladness when we partake of it. The idea that God is always on His throne is noted here in the Psalm. We need never wonder or be concerned that God is not there for us because nothing can change who God is and what He can do.
3) He is our resource and peace.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
All of us like to think that we know what to do and have the ability to be successful in any endeavor. It is good to have a positive attitude and act accordingly but there is a reality we need to acknowledge. He is God and we are not.
Here is the one verse that I always remember and is called back from my memory and my experiences in life with God. In the tenth verse, the writer states God when He says-
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
As I sit here this morning finishing this blog, the air is cool, the birds are singing, the sun is rising in the eastern sky. Elaine is sitting next to me and we have read the Bible and she probably like me has prayed. The power of His Word is so wonderful that today I will now be still, because I know He is God and I am not. When I have opportunity, I will exalt Him before those I encounter.
I believe that in all of this we see and experience the wonder of life. As my father used to say, it is this life and one more. I am living this life with God and I will live the next one in the presence of God. In both, I will praise His name and experience the wonder of life.
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy