Read Psalms 46
Environmentalists seem to worry about the future of the earth. We hear terms such as “Global Warming” and “Climate Change”. Scientists are trying to find ways to “Save the Planet”. The problem with their efforts is that a lot of scientists study the universe without looking to the one who made the universe. They refuse to acknowledge that the earth is the Lord’s. (Psalm 24:1)
We should be good stewards of this earth in which God has given us dominion, because He has instructed us to do so. (Genesis 1:27-28, Psalm 8:3-9) However, when we look at the universe through the eyes of Scripture, we can see that God is in control and this earth is not going to last forever. God is going to make all things new! (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 22:1) Knowing God reigns over His creation brings comfort. Mankind can try to control the future of planet earth, but the efforts are only futile when God is removed from the equation.
The Bible tells us that intense weather patterns and natural disasters will increase and become more frequent as we get closer to Jesus’s return. Jesus also said we would have wars and pestilence. (Matthew 24:6-7, Luke 21:10-11) Do these warnings from Jesus sound like where we are today?
Psalm 46:1-3 reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
God doesn’t want us to fear the future of the earth. HE is our refuge, our shelter, and our hope. HE is our strength, our present help. God is always present with us. God did not create this planet and then let it just spin out of His control. HE reigns over HIS creation.
In Psalm 46:4-5 we are told that God will protect His Church. (God’s City) Our physical bodies will have an end but His children will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
Psalm 46:6-9 tells us that God will end all the earthly wars.“The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations He hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire.”
World leaders and scientists may think they can figure it all out without God. But God has given a “Global Warning”! God will put an end to ALL evil pride. Thankfully, nature and nations are not a threat to the people of God. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” -John 3:16
The last two verses in Psalm 46 struck me anew as I was reading them. Psalm 46:10-11, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
This quote, “Be still, and know that I am God”, is said often within Christian circles. Songs have been written surrounding this quote. But when reading these words in context of the setting in which they’re placed, brings about such a greater meaning. Disasters and wars are to be expected in this sin-sick world. What does God tell us to do? Be still. Know that HE is God. But the verse doesn’t end there. After that He tells us that HE will be exalted! God is with us! We are to be still and be in awe of our Maker.
With everything that’s going on in the world recently, reading those last two verses (Psalm 46:10-11) make me shout, “Hallelujah!”
I want to encourage you today. Be still. Know God. Trust God. Exalt God!
In Times Like These 