July 19, 2015: SOAP #2054:

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Observation: Reading the above passage reminded me of a news cast this week in which an expert was warning of an earthquake for the north-western coast of the USA. Hearing of the millions of people who would be affected, the dirt that would become like liquid and slip into the ocean, the massive wave that would be generated—it could easily strike fear into one’s heart. But the psalmist said our Refuge and Strength and Every-present help will be with us even in extreme situations and we need not fear.

Application: The more I know about God, his nature and his character, the less I need to fear anything. Even when it is logical to fear, I do not need to fear. I just need to consider who is with me!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am thankful that you are not a sometime-present or a most-of-the-time-present, but an always-present help in all kinds of trouble, even in natural disasters! Amen