We wake up this morning to the upcoming inauguration of a new president. Unlike past Inauguration’s though, on this day we live in fear of violence taking place in our capital and in capitals throughout the United States. I pray these fears are not realized. I pray that our brave police officers, and National Guards who are deployed, will find themselves bored with inaction.
Please pray for peace to reign.
I am thinking of Psalm 46 today; a psalm that reminds us all that God is in charge of all things. It reads:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
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 the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
The Psalmist makes some invaluable points for us to rest in, and hold on to, during this transition. The Psalmist reminds us that no matter how crazy and shaky things become, we have a place of refuge in God. We can stand on his sure footing even when things around are in turmoil, because God’s power is so much stronger than the foolish who think their might is almighty. Under the safe refuge of God, we will be okay.
The Psalmist then tells us to remember all of God’s acts in the past – how his might and power has been shown to make human power look feeble. He then remembers what is behind these great acts: Power! But God’s power is not a selfish power, but a selfless power, used to keep his precious children safe through the storm.
The Psalm ends with these wonderful words: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
So, today, let us: Be still and know that God is God. Know God is here and God is in charge. Know God is our refuge, always.
I pray we can all live in the peace of Psalm 46 on this Inauguration day.
~ Pastor Dan