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Psalms 46
Text:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
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Lexicon:
vs. 1 - refuge - "shelter, hope, the person to whom one flees"
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vs. 1 - strength - "might, power, a firm and secured fortified tower, boldness"
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vs. 1 - present - "to appear or exist, to come to, to attain, to find a person or thing, to be, to exist in any place"
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vs. 4 - river - "abundance, flood"
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vs. 4 - make glad - "a joyful and cheerful countenance, leaping for joy"
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vs. 4 - holy - "set apart; sacred; free from defilement of crimes, idolatry, and other unclean and profane things"
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vs. 4 - habitation - "dwelling place, temple"
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vs. 5 - in the midst - "the nearest part, the center, within self, the interior of a thing, specifically inside the body"
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vs. 5 - moved - "to waver, slip, fall, to totter, to shake"
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vs. 7 - fortress - "a cliff or other lofty, inaccessible place; refuge, high tower or fort, height or altitude"
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vs. 8 - behold - "to see God, to gaze at, mentally perceive, contemplate with pleasure, to have a vision of, to have
experienced"
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vs. 10 - be still - "to slacken, to cease, to fail, be faint, be feeble, let alone, be slothful, be weak, to relax, be idle"
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vs. 10 - know - "to ascertain by seeing, to acquire knowledge, to be acquainted, to observe with the eyes, to be
aware of, to get to know, to discover, to expect any thing"
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What does this reveal about God's character?
God is there for us to run to Him in times of trouble. We are held secure, firm in Him. He dwells inside of us (if we are believers), and in His presence is an abundance of joy. Because of His presence, we will not be shaken or fall, for He sustains us. As we allow ourselves to be weak and idle, we will see His presence.
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Questions:
1) Who or what do I turn to in trouble?
2) If I turn to someone or something other than God, why do I do this?
3) Do I allow fear a stronghold in my life? If yes, then cast it out and ask God to fill you with His peace and to help you trust in Him.
4) Do I treat my body, mind, and soul as the dwelling place of the Most High? Or do I allow unholy things (defilement, crimes, idolatry, unclean and profane things) in His temple?
5) Do I allow myself to be still in God's presence - to be weak, to fail, to come to the end of myself so that He can deliver me and show me His love and glory?
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Prayer:
Father God, thank you for being my refuge and my high place that I can run to. Forgive me, Father, for running to everyone and everything else except you when I have troubles and trials. Lord, there is so much sadness and heartache and death and sin in the world, that it is disheartening and can make me afraid most of the time. Lord, help me to not be afraid. I pray you fill me with your peace and help me to trust in your wholeheartedly. Help me to get in the practice of praying instead of worrying. Lord, forgive me for dishonoring you with my sin. Examine my heart and if there is any unholy and sinful thing in me, give me eyes to see it and lead me in your ways, Father (Psalms 139:23). Lord, I pray you would help me get to the end of myself, so that I will seek you. Help me to be weak, so you can be strong. Help me to fail, so you can have the victory. Help me to be still, so you can move. In Jesus' name, Amen!
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