SUMMER OF PSALMS: PSALM 46 - Clover Sites



PSALM 46

Psalm 46:1-11

Summer of Psalms Message Series

July 16, 2017

Pastor Nathan J. Thompson

There was an old phrase which came out of America’s world wars which stated, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” The message was that in the midst of a battle when the enemy; when the threat of injury/death were all around; lots of soldiers cried out to God. Fear often motivated even unbelievers to pray; to fall on their knees in hopes of being saved.

Truth is that many individuals today often feel like they are in a foxhole; a foxhole with uncertainty (tragedy) all around. Being people who pride themselves in keeping their life pretty much in control—many are facing challenges (threats) they can do very little about.

One example is the recent damaging winds (tornadoes) that have affected people in this area without any discretion/reason. Add to that the devastating floods; forest fires; heat wave that has greatly affected some places—there is no defense against these powers.

Then of course there are the personal assaults of cancer (Alzheimer's; Parkinson's; other illnesses) that have come totally out of the blue for some individuals. Add to this the rising numbers of those struggling with mental illness (anxiety; depression; anger/rage).

Yes it often feels like lots of people today are in a foxhole with bombs; ambushes,; attacks happening all around them. The result is that many today are afraid. They are afraid what the future may bring; afraid of what danger may lie around the corner; afraid that their quality of life (their numbers of years) may be greatly affected.

The tragic thing is that in their fear (in their foxhole of life) increasing numbers of people are not turning to God in prayer and trust. Countless numbers of individuals are not seeking to walk closer with God; with his church; with a caring faith community.

Rather some individuals are turning in on themselves; hunkering down in isolation; trying to hide away; seeking to deny reality. Others are attempting to run from their problems using diversions like drugs; pornography; unhealthy eating; out-of-control schedules; many other ways people use to try to escape life. Denial it is important to note is usually a byproduct of excessive fear.

The amazing thing about Psalm 46 (and about the Psalm writer) is how relevant his words are for this world today. The Psalmist definitely understood what it means to be afraid; how amazingly difficult it is to live in a world beyond one's control.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam (just think of the major floods in the south and around the world) and the mountains with their surging.”

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

It is interesting to be reminded of the history at that time this Psalm was written. The original context was probably the time in 701 BC when the powerful Assyrians swooped in and surrounded the city of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah is to have felt like a “caged bird” full of fear; yet the Lord ultimately saves them from this massive army attack.

Throughout other difficult times in history these words from Psalm 46 have also brought strength (hope) to many. An amazing example is Martin Luther’s quest in the 1500’s to reform the church. You may remember how he faced multiple times of great discouragement/fear; he sometimes felt that Satan (multiple demons) were attacking him at every turn.

As a result Martin Luther used the words of Psalm 46 as the inspiration to the hymn he wrote, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Luther proclaimed that no matter what challenges this world goes through; no matter what struggles you may face in your personal life; God is your fortress; he can never be defeated.

Shortly after 9/11 shocked this nation (world) my previous church gathered for a couple community prayer services. One of the Scripture passages shared at those services was Psalm 46—the assurance that even though the earth give way; even though the twin towers come crashing down God is still our fortress; our refuge; our strength.

The sad thing about 9/11 (and other major tragedies through the years) is that as lots of people came back to churches; as some new people sought out God’s help—it didn’t last very long. Like praying under fire in a foxhole most individuals fairly quickly went back to their mostly nominal faith; to their limited or non-existent church involvement—this happened when their anxiety levels came down; when their lives went back to normal.

Wouldn't you agree that this continues to be a problem with lots of people today? As long as life is going well—why do they need God and his church? Isn’t it better to simply play Russian-roulette with life—take one's chances; hope for good luck; pretend that things like cancer (tragedies) won't happen to them?

Several years ago I heard Pastor Brian McClaren speak—he is an evangelical Christian (like Tony Campolo) who is trying to raise awareness as Christians to the global problems (challenges) facing the world today. He is liftiing up what Jesus is saying to these issues.

One thing that really struck me from Brian McClaren’s words is how delicate (vulnerable) our world is right now. With the gap continuing to widen between rich/poor; as poverty causes more people to feel completely desperate; as the security (peace) in our world continues to destabilize—the more masses of people will be forced to live just for themselves.

It will easily lead to more crime (wars; terrorism) as people do whatever they can to feed their families; to protect themselves. It will sometimes lead to wealthy people building protective walls around themselves; the privileged focusing more on keeping their stuff (their families) safe. However as this individualism (divisiveness) increases the world will suffer even more.

Reason is because God created human beings not to be islands unto themselves. He created individuals not to hunker down in their own selfish wants (needs); rather to care for (be a friend) to the poor (the outcast; refugee; sinner). He created humans not to kill (reject; push away) those who are different (ethnically; religion; lifestyle). Rather God's call is to love our enemies; do good to those who hate us; show grace and love to those who are treated unfairly.

Truth is that it is only as a person builds their life on the solid rock (fortress) of God (on his Biblical truth); only then will you have the strength to face whatever challenges the world throws at you. Only as you build your life on Jesus will you know how to truly love others.

It is only as you build a strong (faithful) connection in a church that you will have a Christ-centered community to walk with you each step of the way. God is our refuge and strength; it is in his community of faith where God has chosen to work; make himself real.

How then can you find God’s strength (guidance; help) in this world today? How can you have this assurance of Jesus in your heart? The Psalm writer's advice is, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still and know that God is the creator; he is exalted in all the earth.

Psychologist Larry Crabb tells the story from his childhood about the day he went into the bathroom; locked the door; then couldn’t get it unlocked again. He panicked; thought he may spend the rest of his life in the bathroom; screamed loudly for his parents to hear.

His Dad in turn raced down the stairs; ran to the garage; got the ladder and leaned it just beneath the bathroom window. With the adult strength of his father he was able to pry open the window; then he climbed into the bathroom and unlocked the door.

Larry Crabb, in reflecting on this event explains that this is how lots of people think that the Christian life is supposed to work. When you get stuck in a tight place (can’t get out) you simply cry out to God, “Get me out of here!” He then unlocks you to the blessings you deserve.

Larry Crabb goes on to ask if you even like God when he may not open a door the way you want him to—when a marriage doesn’t heal; when rebellious kids still rebel; when friends betray; when finances threaten your comfortable life; when terrorism looms; when your health worsens; when loneliness and depression grow more intense.

When God climbs into your dark room however he often does not just automatically turn the lock and open the door. Rather he may sit down on the bathroom floor; he may say to you, “Come sit with me for awhile.” He invites you to be still; to take this opportunity to get to know him better; to discover his strength; to learn how to be his example in this world.

The key of course to a real; abundant; fulfilling; joy-filled life is not to automatically have a quick fix to your problems; not to simply retreat into your foxhole. Rather the key is to build your life on Jesus; to build on God’s refuge and strength.

Whatever you are facing today; whatever fears you may have; remember that God loves and cares for you. He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Remember each and every day, “The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”

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