I called this day my “pastoral visitation” day. I took the opportunity to visit some friends and get updates on how they are doing with their health challenges. This included a trip to Denver. I did get by to visit my mom, whom I hadn’t seen for a couple of weeks.

One the way home I set a new record for trying to navigate the challenge of weekend traffic. It took must just under two and a half hours to get back to Fort Collins mostly relying on back roads and frontage roads. I believe I only traveled about ten miles on I-25.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe me, and because you did not honor me as holy before the people, you will not lead them into the land I will give them.” Numbers 20:12

I have to admit it. I feel sorry for Moses. The grumblers got to him. Moses spent a lot of time with his face on the ground interceding for God not to strike the people dead for their grumbling and lack of trust.

Once again we find the people complaining about not having water. Although in the hot wilderness water is like gold, it is not as though Moses was not aware of the problem and needed the people to call it to his attention and then badger him about it with them once again saying, “we would be better off dead….or we had it so good in Egypt.”

The Lord instructed Moses to “speak to the rock….” But here is what happened. The description of Moses actions are important, “Now listen to me, you [rebels!] Do you want us to bring water out of this rock?”  Then Moses lifted his hand and hit the rock twice with his stick. Water began pouring out…” (Numbers 20:10,11)

Moses was angry and I would say rightly so, or at least it is easy to understand his frustration and the pressure he felt. Earlier in the wanderings the Lord provided water when Moses struck a rock; but just “speaking” to a rock? I recall reading some years ago that in the wilderness pools of water would collect in rock formations and an experienced shepherd would know how to find that source and then break the rock open to release the water.

Moses had been a shepherd for 40 years. It was part of his resume that qualified him to lead this unruly group. But when he drew attention away from the Lord and took actions that were based on his knowledge and experience, it lead to the Lord’s judgment.

The Lord’s words to Moses are as insightful as Moses’ words to the people. The Lord said, “Because you did not believe me, and because you did not honor me as holy before the people, you will not lead them into the land I will give them.”

As a result we see that Aaron died on Mount Hor and there his son Eleazar became the priest. Then we see Moses was give the opportunity to view the promised land from Mount Nebo, before he died. It was there he anointed Joshua as his successor.

As I reflect on Moses life, I consider the following…

Moses’ “sin” did not change his character. “Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) I don’t believe it changed God’s view or estimate of his value in God’s eyes.

Moses status is honored at the transfiguration. During Jesus ministry He took, Peter, James and John to the mountain top. “Then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.” (Matt. 17:3) Failures are not fatal and disobedience does not determined destiny. I remember someone pointed out, “Moses made it to the promised land after all!”

Moses shows us the greatest leaders have their weaknesses. Human leaders after all are…..human. They have their own challenges and shortcomings and need to have the help of others. In Moses we see Aaron by his side. We read the account of his father-in-law instructing him on how to appoint leaders over groups of people to lighten his burden. Later we see how the Lord selected seventy elders to help Moses in the ministry to God’s people. “…the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied…” (Numbers 11:25)

Moses shows us no one is indispensable. Joshua as leader and Eleazar the priest became those who would lead God’s people into the promised land. Throughout history the Lord has continued to raise up leaders and those uniquely and divinely used by Him. I recall years ago a well know evangelist making the claim, “if this ministry fails the cause of world missions will be greatly damaged.” Shortly after that sin brought his ministry to an end and the cause of Christ continued to expand throughout the world.

Moses shows leaders the need to trust and honor the Lord. It is easy to create “super-star” ministers out of those uniquely gifted and fruitful. Those individuals have greater responsibility with their gifts, which include walking humbly before the Lord and continually pointing people to see the greatness of God.  It is interesting how John the Baptist, the prophet who would prepare the way for Jesus said, who Jesus commended with these words, “…among those born of women there is no one greater than John…” (Matt. 7:28) said, “he must increase, I must decrease.”

What is true for Moses is true for us all. Whether that is overcoming our own failures and moving forward, whether it is understanding our own limitations and weakness, whether it is understanding how the Lord desires to use us for His purposes and our need to consistently and faithfully trust and honor Him.

I visited Twyla Osler, for my medical massage today. My neck and shoulders needed the workout. I was glad for the improvement, but it threw off my plans for an immediate workout at the fitness center. I was able to get in my afternoon swim, which is proving to be helpful. Even though progress has seemed to slow, I believe I can look to next year at this time as a time of full recovery!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “That night all the people in the camp began crying loudly. All the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron, and all the people said to them, “We wish we had died in Egypt or in this desert. Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to be killed with swords? Our wives and children will be taken away. We would be better off going back to Egypt.” They said to each other, “Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”  Numbers 14:1-4

If the exodus was taking place today, when the Children of Israel scouted out the promised land, there would have been a sign with a red circle and a diagonal line with the words, “No Grumblers Allowed.”

One thing the Children of Israel learned as slaves was how to grumble and complain. It was the cry of  God’s people that compelled Him to appear to Moses in the Wilderness and send him back to Egypt. The Lord said to Moses,

“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey…”(Exodus 3:6-8)

As we move through the exodus and the journey to the borders of the promised land, we can observe that their immediate response to any difficulty was to immediately complain, grumble and anticipate the worst. This was regardless of the miracles they saw as the Lord brought the plagues on Egypt.

They complained at the Red Sea, they complained at the waters of Marah, they complained about their food, Mariam and Aaron complained about Moses and his wife, they complained about the obstacles of conquering the promised land, a man named Korah with 250 other men complained about the leadership of Moses. When the Lord judged these men, the people complained and grumbled against Moses for “killing the Lord’s people.”

Perhaps we can say, “it is easier to take the slaves out of bondage than to take the bondage out of the slaves.” Regardless of the miracles they saw and even the judgment of the Lord on those who rebelled, they refused to fear the Lord and to trust Him to be their deliverer and provider.

The result was the slaves did not occupy the land. They wandered in the desert until all the men of the exodus 20 years and older died. The promised land was occupied by the generation that grew up in the wilderness, who learned to follow and trust the Lord.

This history is important for us today. Paul points this out in his letter to the Church at Corinth:

 “And these things happened as examples for us, to stop us from wanting evil things as those people did.…We must not test Christ as some of them did; they were killed by snakes. Do not complain as some of them did; they were killed by the angel that destroys. The things that happened to those people are examples.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-11)

Difficult times, times of trial are times of testing and temptation. Will we lose heart, complain, focus on the present or will we trust, maintain our courage and keep our eyes on the prize? It is interesting that in this context we find the familiar verse that says, “The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.” (1  Cor. 10:13)

As we face the troubles of life, we will be tempted to turn from trusting the Lord and to disobey His commands, complain, give in to fear, focus on the present, mistake temporal needs as the most important needs of our life. But just as the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea, He is able to make a “way of escape” if we look for it. Remember Paul’s words,

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”                          (Romans 8:35,37)

When troubles come, we can respond as slaves or as conquerors. Slaves are powerless and feel abandoned, they just complain and grumble and return to old patterns and lifestyles. But Christ gives us strength to do….to do what we can, to do what we need to…to be overcomers.

After a full week at Grand Camp last week, I feel that I’m being too lazy. I was able to get out earlier in the morning and do some yard work before my Chiropractor appointment and then I worked on some invites to legislators for the Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital tenth anniversary coming up in August. I have been asked to speak and MC the event. It will be good to return just about two years since, I was first admitted. I did enjoy my daily workout at the pool and found I am able to be some exercises in the water that I can’t do otherwise.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…They did what was right, received God’s promises…They were weak, and yet were made strong…Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison….They were poor, abused, and treated badly.  The world was not good enough for them!…. All these people are known for their faith…” (Hebrews 11:34,37,39)

Hebrews 11, the “hall of faith” is a familiar to most readers of the Bible. It opens by telling us what faith is and that faith is vital to pleasing God. There is a list of some familiar names and some names that surprise us (like Samson and Rahab) who are commended as living by faith.

But there are many unknown and unnamed individuals whose lives of faith are just referenced. Some of these received deliverance and God’s promise, others had faith to suffer persecution and rejection from the world. I believe it is important for us to observe that faith…

1 – Compels us to do what is right. We can observe that in the those who are named as well as in the description those who are unnamed. Whether famous or infamous, they pleased God by their faith, which was doing God’s will and trusting the Lord regardless of the outcome.

2 – Gives us strength. In human terms, they were weak, but through faith in the Lord they were made strong. This reminds me of Paul’s resolve when he said, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) This declaration followed the Lord’s word to Paul that said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”           (2 Cor. 12:9) We can’t but He can! That is what Paul found and the same is true for all those who place their faith in Christ.

3 – Sets us apart. After describing all the horrific circumstances that people endured for the cause of Christ, the assertion is, “the world was not worthy of them.” For some of these martyrs, it is as though the Lord delivered them from suffering through elevating them to His presence and removing them from the pain and suffering of the earth. What we see is that Lord’s view and value of their life was different than the world.

4 – Focuses our attention on God’s promise. Of those the world was not worthy of, Hebrews says, “God planned to give us something better so that they would be made perfect, but only together with us.” (Heb. 11:40) Earlier in the chapter it says of some of the patriarch’s,  “All these great people died in faith. They did not get the things that God promised his people, but they saw them coming far in the future and were glad...But they were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country…because he has prepared a city for them.” (Heb. 11:13-16)

Regardless of the outcome, we can affirm from God’s Word, that faith makes us victorious. And a life of faith challenges others in their commitment, it is the legacy of our life that can inspire others. That is why we see Hebrews 12 begin with a reflection back to chapter 11, “We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up.” (Heb. 12:1)

So let us not “give up” doing what is right, trusting the Lord for strength from His grace, living a life that sets us apart and keeping our eyes on the eternal promise that is ours through faith.

I enjoyed a nice summer day. I attended my Tuesday morning prayer connection with some of our county leaders. This was the first time in about a month for me to make it to the meeting. After some office work and lunch (and a nap) I made another trip to our neighborhood pool. I can at least tell a difference in my strength this year compared to last year. At this point some of my improvement is so gradual, it can be hard to notice. So I look for all the cues that I can pick up along the way.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For this reason Christ brings a new agreement from God to his people. Those who are called by God can now receive the blessings he has promised, blessings that will last forever. They can have those things because Christ died so that the people who lived under the first agreement could be set free from sin.” Hebrews 9:15

Hebrews presents a “better way” to God than through the law of Moses. It is found in the person and work of Christ. Christ is better than the angels, He is a better high priest, He is a better sacrifice.The sacrifices the law called for were many and varied, had to be repeated often, but Hebrews declares, “…Christ came only once and for all time at just the right time to take away all sin by sacrificing himself.” (Heb. 9:26)

Christ’s sacrifice for our sin offers a better way than pleasing God through our own efforts, which is impossible. The result is a clear conscious. Hebrews declares through Christ’s sacrifice “…we have been made free from a guilty conscience…” (Heb. 10:22) Paul would declare to the Romans, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1) When we receive Christ’s forgiveness, it changes us; it frees us to live for the Lord and not for ourselves,

The Holy Spirit also tells us about this. First he says: “This is the agreement I will make with them at that time, says the Lord. I will put my teachings in their hearts and write them on their minds.”(Jeremiah 31:33) Then he says:  “Their sins and the evil things they do—I will not remember anymore.” (Jeremiah 31:34)  (Heb. 10:15-17)

Christ’s sacrifice gives us confidence before the Lord. “…we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because of the blood of Jesus’ death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us…Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith…“ (Heb. 10:19,20,22)

Under the law, it was “don’t come close to God, keep your distance from the Holy God.” Now through Christ the way has been made open and with the temple curtain torn when Christ was crucified, God says, “the way has been made open…draw near.”

Christ’s sacrifice offers a hope and a future. “Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time to take away the sins of many people. And he will come a second time…to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”   (Heb. 9:28) Our salvation is two-fold, relationship with the Lord through forgiveness of sin available by the sacrifice of Christ and an eternal home in His presence. With this in mind we are encouraged to “…hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised.” (Heb. 10:23)

Christ’s sacrifice gives us perseverance. “You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.”  (Heb.  10:36) Our faith and hope can tested by our own failures and frailties and the trials we face in this present world. Our call is to continue to follow, to obey knowing that we will receive the promise of the full salvation Christ died to give us. 

 Christ came to bring a “better way” a final sacrifice.  We can receive the blessings of what the “new agreement” has made available. I like the expression of confidence the writer of Hebrews declares when he says, “…we are not those who turn back and are lost. We are people who have faith and are saved.” (Heb. 10:39) As the old song says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, I won’t turn back….”

After being gone last week, I returned to my routine Chiropractor appointment for today. He thought that my right leg is beginning to show some improvement on muscle tone. I was able to get to the neighborhood pool for a good workout this afternoon as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have. For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.  Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

One thing about reading through Leviticus is that if you follow with the reading of Hebrews, it helps with your understanding and appreciation for what Christ has done for us. In Christ we have the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” and we have a “great high priest” who is able to offer that sacrifice before a Holy God that we might have forgiveness for our sin, access to God’s throne and fellowship with the Lord.

In the law, the high priest was chosen by God from among the people. As such he could relate to the frailties of human existence. The high priest was that connection between the people and God. He offered a sacrifice for his own sin and then offered the sacrifice for the sin of the people.

About Christ Hebrews says, “Christ did not choose himself to have the honor of being a high priest, but God chose him.” (Heb. 5:5) Scripture goes on to say of Christ, “Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he learned obedience by what he suffered.  Jesus suffered when He was tempted, yet He did not sin. He suffered as He was crucified, but “as a lamb for slaughter He did not open His mouth. “And because his obedience was perfect, he was able to give eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:8,9)

Jesus our great high priest, did not go to the Temple on earth, but into heaven to present the blood of the sacrifice of His own life before the Father’s throne for the forgiveness of sin. The imagery and significance of all that Christ accomplished by coming to earth in human form, can difficult to comprehend and fully appreciate. What we can understand is the results of all the Christ did for us.

“….Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.”

We don’t have to fear God’s wrath because of our sin, but we can come to God to be forgiven. We don’t have to fear being rejected, because we approach God with confidence at His throne of grace and mercy. We don’t have to fear a lack of concern or a lack of compassion for our need, because God stands ready to “help us when we need it.”

To all this we can simply respond with thankful hearts and say, “how wonderful, how marvelous is my Savior’s love for me.”

This morning I spoke at the chapel service a Mckenzie Place, a retirement facility close to our home. This was my third month and it has been good to develop a connection with some of the residents. This afternoon, Christian, Bridget, Riley, Caedmon, Elianna and Sue and Sam came to our house for Caedmon’s seventh birthday celebration. After our cookout, and trip to the swimming pool, he enjoyed decorating the ice cream pie that Debbie made. (with help from dad, under the watchful eye of his sister) She honored his request for a “rocky road” ice cream birthday treat.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down.” Psalm 55:22

Worry, anxiety, concern. However you refer to it the result is the same. It distorts our view of life, it takes our thoughts and emotions captive.

Worry can come from a variety of source. In Psalm 55, David shares about the rejection and betrayal of a friend. Jesus spoke of worry that comes from the cares of life: food, clothing, shelter some basic needs. Peter writes to believers who faced persecution and challenges. As he admonishes them about their focus on the Lord and humbling themselves before the Lords he exhorts them, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”            (1 Peter 5:7)

It is interesting to observe the consistent themes throughout scripture. We see key verses that speak to the matter of worry in the Psalms, the gospels and the epistles. If nothing else, we become aware of the fact that the battle with worry is something that has plagued the emotional state of people throughout time.

The way to deal with worry is simple but challenging at the same time. The solution is related to our trust and confidence in the Lord. David said, “the Lord will take care of you.” Peter said, “for [God] cares for you.” Jesus said, “[God] will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matt. 6:30)

The reason we struggle with our faith, is related to our comfort with “walking in the dark.” We know the Lord can provide, but at times we wonder will He provide. We are unsure when the Lord will provide and how the Lord will provide. We like have certainty, we rather “walk by sight than faith.” Perhaps that is why prior to admonishing believers to “cast their worries on the Lord” Peter says, “humble yourselves before the Lord and He will life you up.”

We are also admonished to “give our worries to the Lord.” I’m not sure how that takes place, or what the full meaning of that is; but it does give us a picture of handing our concerns off to the Lord. It is an admission on our part, “I can’t take care of this, I can’t deal with this, will you help me?” We can related to that in a sense as parents get older and feel taxed in their ability to make decisions or to handle their finances and look to family members for help. In the same way, we recognize our limitations and ask the Lord to help us with that which is the source of our worry.

Finally, we must make sure that we have the right focus. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:33) We don’t serve or honor the Lord out of the comfort and sense of control over our lives, we do so in all circumstances and conditions.

The right focus also means we do what we can in the present, not giving undue focus on the future. Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.“ (Matt. 6:34) That which causes us worry are mostly things that never materialize. If there is something in the present we can do, then we should do what we can today, seeking the Lord for wisdom and help.

Are there worries that assault your life? You are not alone. It has been an “age old” problem. But the solution is to heed the instructions from God’s Word and experience His peace. “Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10 GW) We can’t receive God’s solution, if we keeping addressing our worries relying on our own wisdom and strength.

Today ended up being a “laid back day.” I was able to submit a job application for position in Wyoming that my friend Charlie Simineo informed me about. I feel like its time for me to take on more responsibility and activity than just my rehab focus. I was also anticipating the arrival of a repairman for our internet service, so you know how that can go.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don’t want burnt offerings. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.”  Psalm 51:16,17

I have been reading through Leviticus. Along with all types of instructions and guidelines on how God’s holy people are to live and what they are to do, are instructions on various types of sacrifices. The instructions are specific as to who is to offer which sacrifice and how it is to be sacrificed.

The sacrifices provided for forgiveness of sin and enabled God’s people to maintain fellowship with the Lord. But the actions were to create a point of identification between the worshiper and the sacrifice. As it is with repetition the intent can become lost.

So, we see King Saul taking hasty and ill advised action in offering a sacrifice in preparation for battle, when the prophet Samuel delayed his coming. When Samuel arrived he rebuked Saul with the words, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) The message was that God was more concerned about Saul’s heart, than the animal sacrifice he thought could be used to get God’s favor.

This connection was not lost on David many years later. When he prayed for God’s forgiveness he recognized that just killing an animal out of ritual was not enough. The Lord wanted the sacrifice of a “broken spirit.” David realized that being exalted by the Lord came by humbling himself before the Lord.

When we come to the New Testament we read in Hebrews 13:5 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.“ In Leviticus we see some incense was continually to be burned as a sign of worship to the Lord. We also see instructions about bringing grain offerings and offerings of the “first fruits” of crops. I believe that Hebrews 13:5 challenges us to be those who praise the Lord “early and often.” Some of the first words from our mouths each day should be in praise to the Lord. There is a challenge for us all! But this is not to be a daily or occasional activity, but one that is continuous.

Next we see in Romans 12:1 Paul’s charge. “I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.” The instructions the Lord gave Moses for the people in the law was so they would know how to worship the Lord. Paul says that the sacrifice of our lives being wholly committed to the Lord is how to please the Lord and worship him. Romans 12:2 tells us what the means.  ^“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you…” It means our attitudes and actions are directed by God’s Word and obedience to Him and not what comes from the world or our own thoughts. When that is our focus we will know what pleases the Lord and won’t need a list of “dos and don’ts”

All three of these types of “sacrifices” challenge us in our life. Remember sacrifice is obedience, it is surrender. And that is something that doesn’t come easy or natural. But when we honor the Lord we find it leads to a life of peace and blessing.

Riley and I had a big day today. After Riley enjoyed, a fun time with grandma last night, we left early this morning and connected with Charlie Simineo in Cheyenne for some of the Frontier Days activities. We went to the pancake breakfast where about 10,000 are fed three times during the ten day event. We then went to an historic re-enactment of some of the key historic figures in Wyoming history at the cemetery.

After lunch we headed back to Fort Collins and then to Lakewood. Riley was glad to be back home with his brother and sister, mom and dad and friends. After some visits on my way home, I returned to Fort Collins at 8 p.m. after traveling over 250 miles today. I was glad that I felt strong throughout the day, especially considering the early morning start and forgetting to take my lunch pills.

Riley and I took one last Grand Camp picture with our camp T-shirts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea, even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea.” Psalm 46:1-3

When all that represents strength and security is shaken, those who put their trust in the Lord do not need to be shaken. This familiar Psalm affirms that with God as our source of protection, strength and help in times of trouble we can face any challenge or difficulty that comes our way.

As we move through the verses of this Psalm we see the truths that give us this confidence in the Lord.

God’s presence. There is no better place to be when trouble comes, than where God is. A child who is scared in the night, finds comfort in the presence of parents. As such, we see that our Heavenly Father provides comfort and confidence when life gets “scary.”

The imagery of Psalm 46 pictures the river giving life to God’s Holy city and then states, “God is in the city, so it will not be shaken.” (Psa. 46:5) Where God is there is security. If you have confidence that you belong to the Lord, He is with you. The Lord speaks to His people through Ezekiel and says,  “I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.“ (Ezekiel 37:27)  The Psalmist simply affirms, “The Lord All-Powerful is with us…” (Psa. 46:7)

God’s Past. God has demonstrated Himself as powerful and faithful. “Come and see what the Lord has done, the amazing things he has done on the earth.” (Psa. 46:8) The Lord has a “good track record.” We see in scripture God’s people constantly being reminded about the acts the Lord performed for His people. When we rehearse the power of the Lord in world history and in our history, it should build confidence and trust for every crisis we face.

God’s Peace.  God’s call to us in times of shaking is,  “….Be still and know that I am God….” (Psa. 46:10) When Jesus was with His disciples during the storm on the sea of Galilee, He was asleep, as the waves roared. It is a vivid picture of peace in the midst of a literal storm. Jesus was at peace with who He was and who was with Him. He was under the Father’s care. In the same way, we can experience peace in the midst of the storms of life, when we know that He is God, and He is with us, giving strength, protection and help in times of trouble.

As we keep these things in mind, we can experience peace in times of trouble. I am thankful that the Lord “always helps.” Sometimes that help comes in powerful ways and sometimes in ways that are more subtle. If you trust Him and realize He is with you, you will experience the strength and protection you need in the shakings and quakings of your life.