God is Our Strength (2 OF 3)
A few days ago thousands of people suffered as a result of Wildfires in Southern California. These fires have caused havoc in the lives of people who were just trying to live their lives. Many of them did not see it coming and others were not prepared. What is important to note is the amount of loss that many of these people experienced: loss of shelter, loss of security, and even loss of lives. This natural disaster has placed an uncertain amount of strain on some many people and resources.
There is a scripture I want you to mediate on as you face the trails, the ups and downs of life. When life seemingly comes our of nowhere and uproots the peace we once enjoyed. It is found in the 46th Psalm:
"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 and the mountains quake 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 uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields[d] with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46)