Two weeks ago, I saw that the church I grew up in was hosting their first online Bible study. I quickly clicked the Zoom link and many familiar faces greeted me- an exciting part of technology in these times. After some brief catching up, we began our study of the Scripture for the day:
Psalm 46
.
Charlie mentions this psalm in his "ChurchAway"
response
t
o COVID-19. You may think of the hymn
"
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
."
We are even discussing this text in our
online Psalms Bible study
with Charlie this Wednesday. Psalm 46 is fitting for times like these- times when we may need a God who "is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
I invite you to read through Psalm 46 below.
Take three breaths when you read "Selah."
1
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah
4
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
8
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
11
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
----
What stands out to you today?
Do any verses bring you comfort?
Do any verses make you uncomfortable?
----
Perhaps you recognize verse 10:
"Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10a)
When I feel stressed, I take three deep breaths and pray this verse. I invite you to pray this prayer today.
Deep breath in...
"Be still"
Hold...
"and know"
Deep breath out...
"that I am God."
Deep breath in...
"Be still"
Hold...
"and know"
Deep breath out...
"that I am God."
Deep breath in...
"Be still"
Hold...
"and know"
Deep breath out...
"that I am God."
Amen.