Day 62

Leviticus 27:14 —Numbers 1:54; Mark 11:1-26; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:23

THE WORLD HAS not experienced God’s perfect peace and order in all things for a very long time. In fact, almost from the beginning. It’s not unusual to look at the news or jump on our social-media feeds and find disturbing things happening. The content flying at us faster than we can truly process simply becomes a part of the anxiety that often hovers over our lives. There is plenty to worry about, and tomorrow will bring with it a new deluge. Mix that with our own personal struggles and we have a toxic brew that can overflow in unhealthy ways. Lest we think that this is a new phenomenon and we alone are facing the brink, our reading from Psalms today reveals that this behavior, and the resulting anxiety, has been going on a long time.

Many of the biblical writers used poetic or allegorical language to illustrate their points. Psalm 46 vividly describes mountains quaking, waters roaring, and nations in chaos —all pictures that are very significant for us today. A calamity, natural disaster, or war may affect each of us at some point in our lives. But the song chronicled in Psalm 46 gives us not only words but also a posture of heart that we must adopt in the face of it:

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Come what may, God is our only hope and strength. It is always a healthier choice to turn to Him rather than to our television or smart phone for hope. He is ready and willing to help in times of trouble. May we remember this truth as we face the day’s trials. “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (Psalm 46:7).

MEDITATION:

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.