Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
This passage of scripture points us to The Lord of hosts, a never failing refuge to which any person can flee for help. It teaches all of mankind to look to the Eternal God, especially during turbulent times when we are faced with insurmountable difficulties, to which there may be no human solution. We often like to think of ourselves as being capable and having everything under control, yet throughout the course of human history, it has been manifested that we need God in our lives, not only in seasons of distress, but also as the only One who can bring meaning and cohesiveness to every aspect of daily living. In other words, God desires to be our first resource in every experience of life, not merely a last resort we turn to only when everything and everyone else fails us.
After the national tragedy of September 11, it was observed across America, that for several months, church attendance rose sharply. However, with the passage of time, as our nation regained it's composure, and an increasing sense of security, those numbers gradually declined. As a matter of fact, research shows that during the boom years that followed, people's interest in God steadily waned and consequently, church attendance dropped off dramatically. However, The Lord still invites everyone to seek Him whilst He may be found, and to call upon Him as a first resource in all of the vicissitudes of life .
Not long after the Hebrews had left Egypt, they discovered that Pharaoh and his army were in hot pursuit, obviously with the intention of retrieving them to return them to slavery. However, instead of turning to God as a first resource, they began to murmur and complain about their predicament, forgetting that God's presence was with them and that all they needed to do was to turn to Him and pray. And so, as we also often do in times of trouble, they turned to man for help, not realizing that Moses himself also needed help too. In fact, in their desperation they even considered the option of returning to Egyptian bondage. Let's read:
Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
In response, Moses uttered one of the most sublime and comforting promises that was ever written in the scriptures, and it behooves everyone of us to seriously consider and remember what it means for us in our own struggles. Let's read:
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
"The Lord shall fight for you". Those words should speak comfort and cheer, peace and assurance, confidence and victory, to all who are bewildered with circumstances beyond their control. There are those who are struggling to make ends meet, and are at a loss as to how their needs would be supplied. There are those who have bills to pay and mortgage notes that are due. There are others who are dealing with marital problems to which there seem to be no resolve. And there are yet others who are struggling with with sins, weaknesses, and habits which threaten their very souls. All of these and other problems can find resolution if we just make God our first resource. Instead of worrying, murmuring or being disheartened, let us look to the Eternal God who is our refuge and strength, and who stands ready to fight our battles for us. Let us then always remember, that it's not about the size of the problems we face, but rather about the size of The God who can put "Pharaoh's army" to flight, if we just make Him our first resource. We therefore end with a promise to all those who make God their refuge and strength. It reads:
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. May The Lord grant us the victory both now and forevermore. "Good night " and God bless!