e-votional
a message to encourage and uplift from College Heights Baptist Church
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Many of you are new to our e-votional list. If you would like any of the previous e-votionals, just reply to this email and let me know. Likewise, if you would like to stop receiving them.
Several people have been asking about getting copies of our e-votionals to give to friends and family. We are looking into the possibility of publishing them into a booklet later this fall. We will keep you posted.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah .
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. – Psalms 46:1-7 (NASB)
Rivers are a remarkable testimony to the creative power of God. They provide food and water. They allow surrounding areas to be irrigated. They offer the transportation of goods and people. For all of these reasons and more, cities were built on or near rivers. Ancient civilizations flourished on the banks of rivers. Babylon had the Tigris and Euphrates. Egypt had the Nile. Think of the great cities of the world and they are usually located in proximity to a river. London has its Thames. Paris has the Seine. In the States, you can almost trace the expansion of our nation by its rivers. New York, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, New Orleans are all located on rivers.
The psalmists tell us of a river which flows through the city of God. While the waters of the sea mentioned in verse three roar and foam, these waters flow gentle and calm. They remind us of the provision and providence of God. It is God who provides for us in the midst of life’s roars. It is God who is our source of protection and deliverance. It is He who sustains us. It is He who makes us glad.
The context of verses 4-7 suggest that Jerusalem is under attack. Jerusalem is “the city of God.” In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty that can come in such instances, God is steady. He stands in the midst of His city and she will not be moved. Literally, she will not shake. Likewise, you and I have no reason to shake in our boots when troubles strike.
Ancient armies often attacked at sunrise. Remember that this is before night vision goggles and ways to light up the night skies. Battles were fought during the daylight hours. The early morning was the most dangerous time for such an attack. Even at our most vulnerable, God is there. In the most perilous times, He will help.
When life around us roars and foams, we need to be reminded that God is in our midst. When the trouble is on the horizon, we need to know that God will help. When it seems like we have no reason to be glad, we remember that God gives an unshakeable joy. He is the calming force that provides and protects. He is the river that nourishes our soul (Psalms 1:3).
Pastor Darrell
