Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!
There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God—the sacred home of the God above all gods. God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. The nations rant and rave in anger—but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin.
The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.
Come, see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth, breaking and burning every weapon. “Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!”
The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I sat on the back porch this morning and listened to the birds and other wildlife. We had thundershowers last night – and an inch of rain! But this morning, the sun burned through and made everything in the freshly washed landscape sparkle and shine. We both agreed that it would be hard to improve on this! God’s majesty and the simplicity of sitting in sunshine, drinking a cup of coffee, and listening to the songbirds chirp would be hard – if not impossible – to top!
I relish these mornings on our back porch. We waited most of the winter and through the spring pollen to be able to sit out for a half hour or more after waking and listen to God speak to us through His creations. We will enjoy this as much as possible before the heat and mosquitoes take over – and again in the fall. It seems like these days, we are constantly seeking opportunities to “stand silent” with God by “porch sitting,” praying while walking, and even turning off the television and escaping in the words of a good novel – or watching an old movie.
There are ample opportunities to fret and worry – and with good reason. But in this season, I am learning to “Stand silent” – or as the KJV puts it, to “Be still and know that I am God!” Sometimes, the best thing to say or do is nothing! People are always watching and waiting to twist our words and actions to suit their own agenda…especially when we react and respond to their own comments and displays. Perhaps it is best if we grab a beverage of choice, head for a quiet place, and sit in the still and silence – and give God room to speak to us and work in our hearts and minds.
As we wring our hands these days and wonder what the future holds, I believe we would do well to “Stand silent” and allow God room to work. We need not fear…God is our refuge…and He is ready, willing, and able to rescue us! So let’s all just “Be still!” Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
Forty-seven years ago today, Greg and I graduated from Arkansas Tech University. We were blessed to be able to graduate together, thanks to a work-study program that spread out the last half of Greg’s course of study over three years, while providing him with a job – and us with income! As I thought back over the past 50 years, I thanked God for how He has carried us in His arms…and how He continues to do this even today.
Daily Devo Time 