The idea that God is our refuge came to clarity when listening to soldiers tell their stories about being caught in an enemy crossfire (Ps 16:1). When the bullets are flying from multiple directions, our instinct tells us to find cover, to disappear underneath something solid and bulletproof. This is a refuge. It protects us from enemy fire. We might not be in a combat situation, but the enemy still seeks to inflict mortal wounds. When we crawl in under the LORD and rely on Him for protection from Satan’s attacks, then we will be safe. But we must be willing to crawl in to the same degree that a soldier in Afghanistan seeks cover when his ammo has run out, and the rounds are still coming his direction. Is that how you seek the LORD?
Fear can overwhelm us at times (Ps 46:2). Fear is a God-given emotion. It is useful. It can keep us safe. But fear can also rob us of our joy. If we allow fear to rule us, to determine our first courses of action, then we will fail to use the wisdom God wants to give us, and the wisdom we have gained from past experiences to help us make the best choices. If fear is our first reaction, even non-life-threatening situations can end badly. That is because the “danger” part of our brain functions much faster than our “let’s think about this” part. We must learn to “be still and know” (v10). When He has His proper place in our lives, His peace will rule rather than our fear.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes, perhaps even often, I want to see evil and those who practice it judged. I want to see an end to selfishness and deceit. Psalm 76:8-10 gives rise to this feeling and expresses it in words I can easily relate to. Imagine God’s wrath bringing praise to God! This seems contradictory on the surface. But when justice is done, God gets glory. Just like when the verdict comes down on a guilty person, and the crowd of victims rejoice, so when God brings punishment, people praise. When God gets involved, you can’t get away with foolishness.
Psalm 106 contrasts very well with several of the other psalms we have been reading. They recounted the greatness of the LORD in rescuing, delivering and redeeming His people. This psalm recounts the waywardness of the Israelites. It parallels their history of rebellion. There is the cycle of deliverance, rebellion, judgment, and contrition, often led by one person. It only takes one to bring grace.
Psalm 146 is a responsive psalm. When it was read one person would read the first line, and the rest would respond with “His love endures forever.” Go back and read all the first lines without the response. It gave them, and us, great reasons to give thanks.
The Arnold Journey 