“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).

What a world we live in! Listening to the news can nearly put me into panic. The cost of everything is increasing. Family members are sick, both physically and mentally. Traffic is a nightmare. Kids. Parents. Politicians. Natural disasters. Violence everywhere we turn, even in places we consider to be sanctuaries. We are assaulted on every side. And then there is the craziness of the holidays. I do not have to tell you what you already know. We see it at home. And we see it at work. We truly can all say that we know someone who has it much worse than we do. And then we agonize over their situations. But that is not the reason I am writing.

None of this is a surprise. The point of my writing is to bring assurance. What is going on the world is not a surprise to God. Yes, the enemy is at work, unleashed by the Fall. Satan is at it–wreaking havoc until the day that even he knows is coming, when Jesus will put him under His feet. But Jesus assures us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

So, my devotional for this week is a reminder. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray you will take comfort in the words of this beautiful song.

Psalm 46

¹God 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

And in the final chapters of the Book of Revelation: “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14).

In Christ,

Judy