Many of you may have heard of the Ring of Fire, an area that basically encircles the Pacific Ocean. It runs up the west coast of South and North America, across southern Alaska, and then down the east coast of Asia, Japan, including Indonesia, and then ending in New Zealand. It is an area with over 900 active or dormant volcanoes, and because the area has multiple shifting tectonic plates, it is an area with frequent strong earthquakes. Of course there are other areas across the world with active or dormant volcanoes, and where there are possibilities of earthquakes. Where I live in east-central Illinois I am right between the New Madrid fault and the Wabash Valley fault, both of which geologists say are likely within the next fifty years of having a significant earthquake. Though I will admit to sometimes letting one thing or another worry me, I am not worried about that, or about getting hit by a tornado some summer, which are also very frequent where I live. Our psalm this week speaks of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, along with other types of storms in life, and what a believer’s response should ideally be in such events.
As Christians, when we read through the Bible, we clearly see that it is emphasized throughout Scripture that God is sovereign, with supreme and unlimited power. We also know that He is present with us at all times, and has promised to protect us. As our psalm begins, we see that God is our Refuge whenever there is any type of trouble. The psalmist specifically mentions conditions similar to a major earthquake, one where the actual mountains are crumbling and falling into the ocean (vs. 1-3). Something like that happening around you is quite likely to cause some fear and concern. However, as God’s children, we know that He is both a place of safety, our refuge, and He is also our source of power or strength. God is sufficient for both protection and endurance. He is a present help. Yahweh is not a distant or delayed god. He is always immediately available in times of trouble.
Mountains falling and seas roaring symbolize the most stable things collapsing. Even if creation itself unravels, as God’s children we do not need to fear. We need to put our trust in Him even if the foundations of the earth shift beneath our feet. That takes a heart willing to trust His Word, submit to His plan, and then deliberately and consciously relax. God is sovereign over natural disasters, political upheavals, and any personal crisis. Our confidence should not rest in circumstances, but in God’s unchanging character.
Next the psalmist shifts to speaking of a calm river that brings gladness (vs. 4-7). This points to God’s sustaining grace and peace. It is also a prophetic picture of the Millennial Kingdom where the River of God will flow. We read about this river in both Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2. The city of God refers both to the present city of Jerusalem and to the future New Jerusalem where God will dwell with His people. Jerusalem is a city that has rarely known any peace since its founding several thousand years ago. Since the days of the Patriarchs of the Old Testament the heathen nations have raged against Jerusalem and His people, but God’s voice and Word will stop them. The Church, as God’s dwelling place, is secure because Jesus is in her midst (Matthew 28:20).
As the psalm concludes, we see how God is sovereign over all the nations of the world (vs. 8-11). His judgments bring desolation, but they also will bring peace. We all want to see wars and conflicts end around the world. However, it is God alone who can end wars. When Scripture tells us to be still, that is not passive resignation, but instead is telling us to have reverent submission to God’s will and ways. We need to cease striving and acknowledge his sovereignty. We see that despite all of the turmoil around the world, Jesus will be exalted, which is echoed in Philippians 2:10-11.
As we close this psalm we see that God wants us to be still and know that there is nothing too big for Him to handle. He is right there with us in times of trouble. When the disciples were afraid during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind, and told the waves to be still. Then all was calm (Mark 4:35-41). When we hear about natural disasters around us, maybe in our own area, and when we hear about wars, we need to remember that God is in control. The Lord, who has sent His Son to save us, is not going to leave us or forsake us. Remember, God is our refuge and strength! The Lord of hosts is with us!
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