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.