Meditations for difficult days [1] Trust instead of Fear

 Psalm 46, verse 1 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Last Saturday I went shopping at my local Aldi at 8:00am, as is my weekly custom. When I arrived there was already a cue of shopping trolleys at the door. This was very unusual. Normally it's me and one or two others. 

Since last Saturday panic shopping has only got worse: people have been increasingly buying up more and more goods fearful that food may run out due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Fear is a natural reaction to an unknown future, and we have all experienced it at some time or another. Indeed that may be our present experience, and especially if we have underlying health issues.

Psalm 46 was written at a time of great trouble. We don't know what the trouble was, and that is often the case in the book of Psalms. Not knowing the specific trouble helps us to apply the Psalm to any predicament, and to our own troubles in particular.

Over the coming days we'll take a close look at how the psalmist dealt with his fears.

Today we examine just the first line, "God is our refuge and strength" - notice three things.

The psalmist remembers God, "God"

It is most striking that the psalmist begins with God, not his troubles. How often you and I begin with the trouble and not with God! Our mind mulls over the problems we face, sometimes, again and again and again. Not so the psalmist! He knows that there is only One who can help him out, and that is God, and so he begins with God.

The psalmist remembers the greatness of God, "refuge and strength"

What does the pslamist bring to mind about God? His power and strength. "Refuge" conjurs up the idea of a walled city to which he can run and hide. "Strength" evokes the almighty power of God who created all things and controls the universe. What a wise move: by remembering the greatness of God, the psalmist's trust in God rises, his faith strengthens and he is able to face the troubles that have beset him.

The psalmist remembers that God helps his people, "an ever-present help in trouble"

Now that the pslamist's faith has increased he brings to mind one more truth: this mighty God is pleased to use his power to help his people. God is not a distant deity who having created the world sits on high aloof from the troubles we face. He is able and willing to help his people, his children, who call out to him. And notice, not occasionally, but always! He's an "ever-present help".

So, as we face an uncertain future, although the world may be filled with fear, let us be filled with a solid, calm and serene trust in our almighty God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A SONG FOR THE DAY

Here is a wonderful hymn to inspire this kind of faith and  hope:

Jesus, You're the hope I cling to
Tower that I run to
Saviour, ever near
Radiant
Light within my darkness
Faithful in my weakness
God who strengthens me

Lead me, take me ever deeper
Show me all the riches of this mystery

Christ in me
My hope and my glory
My certainty
My heart bows down
Surrendered in worship
To my God and King

Jesus, You're the holy promise
Poured Your blood out for us
Rose again to life
All my sins are now forgiven
And my life is hidden
Saved through Jesus Christ

You can listen to the song here: CHRIST IN ME

A PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Dear Father in heaven,

Forgive me when surrounded by troubles, I too easily become fearful and anxious. Thank you that you are a refuge to which we can run and a strength in our weakness. Help us not to fear in these days of anxiety. Help us to put all our trust in you and in your Son, our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. Increase our faith in you and our love for you.

We ask these things in the Mighty Name of the Lord Jesus

Amen