Our refuge, strength

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Scripture reading:

The fear of mountains or cities suddenly crumbling into the sea as the result of an earthquake or a nuclear blast haunts many people today. But the psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear. In the face of utter destruction, the writer expressed a quiet confidence in God’s ability to save him. It seems impossible to consider the end of the world without becoming consumed by fear, but the Bible is clear—God is our refuge even in the midst of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat; he is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance.

Many great cities have rivers flowing through them, sustaining people’s lives by making agriculture possible and facilitating trade with other cities. Jerusalem had no river, but it had God, who, like a river, sustained the people’s lives. As long as God lived among the people, the city was invincible. But when the people abandoned him, God no longer protected them, and Jerusalem fell to the Babylonian army.

War and destruction are inevitable, but so is God’s final victory. At that time, all will stand quietly before the Lord Almighty. How proper, then, for us to be still now, reverently honoring him and his power and majesty. Take time each day to be still and to exalt God.

God is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace. God’s power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him. (NLT)

Psalm 46:1-11 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day. The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts!

The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire.

“Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Kay L. Campbell (Connecticut) titled her story “THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES;” here is Kay’s story:

“Selah is a word used in the Bible, chiefly in the Psalms. While selah is a word of uncertain meaning, some have interpreted it to mean ‘pause, and think of that.’

“Pause? Even with my good intentions to study God’s word daily, how often do I truly pause to deeply ponder its truths? How often do I stop to ‘smell the roses’ in my life instead of focusing on the thorns? How often do I sincerely enjoy what God gives to me moment by moment?

“Our lives can be extremely fast-paced, demanding, and tiring. God recognizes the need for us to refresh our souls and knows that such renewal can only be achieved if we slow down, take a deep breath, and rest in God’s presence. That means setting aside all our distractions and turning our hearts and minds toward God.

“Just as sleep is necessary for our physical health, pausing to reflect on God’s goodness is required for our spiritual well being. With God’s help, I’ll add selah to my daily practice.”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – God is our true source of daily refreshment.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help us to pause and reflect on your goodness today. Amen.

Prayer Focus: SOMEONE UNABLE TO FIND REST

To read other stories in The Upper Room, click on the following link: http://devotional.upperroom.org/