Psalm 46

Earthquakes. Floods. War. Famine. These things have been happening for centuries. Still, it can sometimes feel as though there is an 'extra' amount of suffering going on in the world. As I write this, all of these things are very real in our world at this moment.

I was reminded today of Psalm 46, "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 sea..." So how do we watch the news or read the paper and not be afraid? I think part of our answer is in the Psalmist's words:

• God is our refuge...we can take shelter in the shadow of the Almighty. He is our shield.
• God is our strength...some things are just humanly impossible. That's why we pray for His strength. "Little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong".
• An ever present help...where is God when the worst happens? He is there with us to help us.
• In trouble...there will always be trouble and there will always be the promise that "God will never leave us or forsake us".

Take a few minutes today to pray for those who are suffering. Reflect on any 'trouble' that you have encountered. Was God with you? Were his promises true?