Esotropiart

Psalm 46 was the first segment in yesterday's reading. I like it a lot. Each stanza has cool stuff.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46 ESV

Doesn't it often feel like you are all alone when troubles and hardship come? I have certainly felt that way many times. Lately though I've been blessed with a powerful presence of what I can only credit and believe is the Holy Spirit of God. Though many things quake around me, even things in our church community, I feel a warmth and hope.

I love this first stanza. It is so awesome! I think maybe I should memorize it or something. Listen to the words, people! What's pretty much the worst thing that could happen to us or befall creation? How about if the entire earth gives way? Wouldn't that mean none of us exist, all to perish in the upheaval and crash? If the mountains are thrown into the sea (hopefully not by someone abusing their mustard seed gift), that speaks of a pretty bad earthquake! Even if the geography of the entire earth suddenly shifted like crazy silly putty, God is our Refuge and Strength. We have nothing to fear. What can mere man or nature do to us? What is the valley of the shadow of death? What is the depth of the ocean? God is here and there. He will not abandon us.

God exists outside the box, created the box, and sustains the box. Lord, we praise You from within the box! Thank You for coming to die for us specks in the box. Thank You for coming into the box and not leaving us alone in the vast emptiness of it. Make us into something that pleases You on the final day. Save us by Your blood! We claim You alone as Lord. You alone are our Shelter in the storm, our warmth in the cold.

HAHAHA! It's funny! Imagine the entire armies of all nations setting themselves in battle formation, a huge array of many millions. Watch them all shout and raise their arms, weapons wielding. Then God utters His voice, and the entire earth melts! AHAHAHA! What a waste of time to oppose an Invincible Opponent! Don't make God your enemy. He loves you and does not want to have to oppose you.

Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV

Break the bow and shatter the spear, O Lord! Make quiet of all, just so we are forced to be still and know that You are God! Soften our hearts so that we need not be shattered or found in the bowl of Your wrath.

Wow, The Lord of Hosts is with us! Who cares what befalls us, for we have a VERY PRESENT help in trouble. I didn't even know someone could be very present. Oh Lord, I have not this confidence. I fear my mind will disintegrate because of small worries and troubles that I'm faced with. I can't imagine what I'd become if the earth shattered or melted. Protect me in the shadow of Your wings. Cover my ears with Your warm hands, for they are filled with the screams of insanity this world offers. Look into my eyes, and forgive me when I hesitate to gaze back. Flood me with light, against my dark tendencies. Coax me to approach You, my Source. Rest me on sure ground, where You stand. Carry me Yourself through the tumult. I need You. You are my Passion alone. To look to the right or left - a habit of mine - is tomfoolery. There is nothing more beautiful, nor is there a more worthy pursuit than You! Correct me like a Father disciplines a son, but do not so in Your anger. Be gentle with me. My bones are fragile.