Our Stronghold in Life’s Storms

- Have you ever been caught in a bad storm?...

- if you posed that question to our daughters Bethany and Karis…I’m fairly certain they would say something like – yes we have, and it was all my father’s fault, and that is why we will never go boating with him again…

- and in this particular case, I would have absolutely no defense…

- it happened when the girls were 10 and 5 years old…and we had taken a family vacation down to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky…

- we wanted to do something special on the last afternoon of our time together so we had planned to rent a pontoon boat for a half day…we figured that would be a great way to end our vacation before we headed back home…

- the problem was that when the day came, the weather reports were not very good…

- now this was long before cell phones and instant weather reports but there is no question a storm was predicted…

- but that morning it wasn’t raining…and the pontoon boat had this little covering thing…what could go wrong?...

- so after lunch we headed down to the dock and boarded the boat and it really didn’t look too bad…

- for some reason, I didn’t stay very close to the shore…which turned out to be one of many bad decisions I made that day…

- because pretty soon the wind started picking up…and at first my wife Kris and I were looking at each other like…this could be a problem…but it will blow over, right (I mean the storm, not the pontoon boat)…

- and at some point I decided…this is getting bad….we’ve got to head back in…

- It’s possible that in my cheap mind I’m upset because I paid for a half day’s rental and I was going to have to return it early…but since there is no objective evidence to prove that, let’s keep it out of the story…

- but that wind started blowing so hard that we could make any headway back to the dock…so I’ve got the engine wide open…and we’re getting nowhere…

- within minutes the water became very choppy and that’s when I started getting seriously scared…this was going from a poor decision to a possible emergency…

- then the sky just opened up…and it started raining so hard that we could barely see the shore…and because the wind was blowing, it was raining sideways…so that little canopy thing was doing us no good at all…and I went from trying to do something nice on the last day of vacation to thinking we’re going to be the lead story on the evening news…

- so now we’re scared, totally soaked, and not sure what to do…and that’s when the hail started…

- I don’t know if you’ve ever been in an aluminum pontoon boat during a hailstorm…it is incredibly loud…

- finally Kris was able to look through the rain torrents and spotted a little cove…so we decided to forget about trying to get back to the boat place but just try to get to that cove…and by God’s grace we eventually got there so the water wasn’t as choppy and we were somewhat protected by the wind…

- then I hear this…Steve…Steve…Steve…[that’s never a good sign]…and the girls point down and the water is filled with these little snakes circling around the boat…

- I’m fortunate they didn’t throw me overboard and say something like “here’s Jonah…do with him whatever you please…”

- but we’ve all felt like that, huh?...like you’re in the middle of a storm and you can’t get your bearings and your heart’s gripped with fear and don’t know what to do…

- what you need is a place of refuge…a safe haven…mighty fortress…

- that’s what our God offers to be to His children – which is why I’m looking forward to studying a great Psalm that describes God as Our Stronghold in Life’s Storms…

- with that in mind, please open your Bible to Psalm 46…

- we’re coming down to the end of our series on Overcoming Fear and Worry…

- after today, we have 3 more messages on this subject and then we’re going to return to our verse by verse exposition of the book of Romans…

- isn’t it amazing how quickly this year is flying by?...

- buy the way, I should probably tell you about a conversation I had at the end of 2019…

- I was talking to our staff and I said – you know, we’ve had a lot of challenges to work through, and I usually don’t speak this way, but I’m really looking forward to throwing away the 2019 calendar…and having a much better year in 2020…

- I was telling that story to someone recently and she said – yeah, we’re going to need you to stop saying that…I couldn’t agree more…

- well, this morning we’re studying one of the “songs of trust”…Psalm 46…

- Commentator Derek Kindner wrote these words back in 1973 about this Psalm - “Until recently, man has had few thoughts to spare for the possibility of a world catastrophe. But this psalm can face it unafraid, because its opening phrase means exactly what it says. Our true security is in God, not God plus anything else. Both this confidence and the threat to it are now spelt out.” – Kidner, Derek. Kidner Classic Commentaries “Psalms 1-72”. Pg. 192.

- please follow along as I read – read Psalm 46:1-11

- so we’re celebrating Our Stronghold in Life’s Storms…and with the time we have remaining, let’s think about 4 characteristics of God that lead us to stability.

I. He is Our Strength in the Storm – vv. 1-3

- don’t you love the simple truth of verse 1?....

A. He is all we need

- Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

- this is one of the central questions on the men and women around our world…where can I turn for refuge?...

- I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had had the occasion to watch the movie Schindler’s List recently…

- it’s a very sobering film for sure, and in one particularly moving scene, the Nazi’s were coming for the children…and so children were scattering everywhere trying to find a place to hide…

- so one little boy pulled up the floorboards in one of the buildings, and the crevice being hidden was already filled with little faces trying to find refuge…

- the he opens a compartment in in a fireplace, and it too was filled with children…

- and lastly in desperation you see him entering an outhouse…and sliding down into the filth, only to realize that space too was already packed with little boys and girls…

- people trying to find refuge, even in some of the worst places imaginable…

- this Psalm is inviting us to find our refuge in the pure and perfect and protective hand of the God of heaven and earth…

- this is why the passage we studied last week is so important…where Jesus explained to Lazarus’ sisters…John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,

- because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, a Holy God can invite us into fellowship with Him that provides refuge and strength…

- in the previous chapter, Jesus had explained -- John 10:27–30 - My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

- friend, I hope there’s been a definite time in your life when you admitted your sin, and you placed your faith in trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord…

- because the moment that decision was made, your sin was forgiven because of His precious blood and His righteousness was placed on your account…

- during COVID-19 – God can be your refuge and strength…

- when there’s uncertainties to school starting – God can be your refuge and strength…

- when you’re tempted to worry about the election – God can be your refuge and strength…

- that’s one of the key questions posed in this Psalm…where are you going for refuge?...

- just like the children in Schindler’s List – you could pull up some floorboards and jump into the crevice of rebellion and bitter complaint…but there’s no refuge there…

- you can pull out some stones and slide into the cavity of anger and trying to control everyone and everything around you…there’s no refuge there…

- you can slide into the cesspool of any number of sinful temptations and momentary pleasures…there’s no refuge there…

- let’s find ways as individuals and as a church to join the Psalmist – where we joyfully affirm that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

B. He is in control

- Psalm 46:2–3 - Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

- there are different ways of thinking about what the Psalmist means here…

- some think he’s talking about literal physical calamity…like an earthquake or a flood…some kind of calamity where everything you relied on – because mountains are supposed to be stable and immovable – they don’t slip…

- but what about when they do?...even then we don’t have to fear if we’ve chosen to take our refuge in the Lord…

- the mountains might be sliding around, and the ocean might be roaring and foaming…but we’re secure and safe in the hands of our heavenly Father and His dear Son…

- others see it as a metaphor or a word picture for the nations that will be described in the next verses…so God is shaking up the kingdoms of the world…one is sliding here and another is sliding there…but the people of God are in Eden-like place because of our relationship with the Lord…

- we can’t be dogmatic about that and ultimately it doesn’t matter because the central point is the same…whatever difficulty you might be facing right now, God stands ready to be your refuge…a very present help in time of trouble…

- [if time – develop one of our upcoming virtual FCI classes – praying with a pastor – trying to help men and women in our church and community see this principle as a practical reality in their hearts and lives – be sure to tell your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and extended family members about this opportunity to join us…]

II. He is Our Sustainer Through the Night – vv. 4-5

- the contrast that appears in verse 4 could not be more profound…

- while there is the chaos and confusion of the mountains slipping into the sea and the waters roaring and foaming…and mountains quaking at the sea’s swelling pride…

- compare that to the dwelling places of the most high…it’s an Eden-like existence for the people of God…for those who have chosen to find their refuge in Him…

A. God is our nourishment

- Psalm 46:4 - There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

- it’s a picture of serenity…and sustenance…

- this too is a very short walk to the gospel…do you remember what Jesus said to the woman at the well… John 4:14 - but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

- when men and women are taking refuge in Him, there’s no reason to participate in every battle that comes along in this world…

- that year has been potentially exhausting if a person would let it be…

- we started with the impeachment trials and all of sudden many people were experts on Ukraine…

- then we pivoted to the virus and fights erupted about the shut-down, and the stimulus, and the leadership, and the sanitizer, and the paper products, and the masks, and the best ways to open schools…

- then there was George Floyd and protests and riots, and a person could wake up and get into a fight about something every day…

- and I’m not suggesting that we can’t and shouldn’t interact with some of those subjects in a limited way…

- but if you are trying to find your sustenance and hope in convincing everyone else about all your opinions on those matters, you will be gripped with endless fear and worry and turmoil…

- the kingdom of man offers no peace and stability and sustenance and satisfaction…

- but the follower of Christ who is taking refuge in his/her walk with the Lord…you can engage in those topics when appropriate with a kind of serenity and balance and kindness and selflessness that can have a refreshing impact in this world in which we live…

- I hope you’re looking for opportunities to speak about how your relationship with the Lord is impacting your ability to navigate these troubled times…

- you can do that without being pious or self-righteous – but everyone is talking about – how are we going to get through all of this – you could simply quote this passage as your personal testimony – God is my refuge and strength…a very present help in trouble…therefore, I will not fear…

B. God is our fortress

- You see that terminology mapped all over this Psalm…

- v. 4 – the holy dwelling places of the Most High

- v. 7 – the God of Jacob is our stronghold

- v. 11 – the God of Jacob is our stronghold

- Did you enjoy singing this morning Martin Luther’s great hymn – A Mighty Fortress is Our God?...

- think about Luther’s context in the middle of one of the greatest theological conflicts in the history of the church…

- whether salvation truly was by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the Scriptures alone, for the glory of God alone…

- how did he maintain his courage and convictions when the theological waters were roaring, and the mountains were quaking at its great pride?...

- his Mighty Fortress wasn’t his intellect, or his piety, or some kind of power he might seize from the established authority structures of the church…

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same; and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!

- every one of us has to decide this fall – what’s going to be our fortress…or perhaps more importantly, Who’s going to be our fortress?...

- let me say a word to the parents who are here…you may be looking at one of the greatest parenting moments you’ve ever had…

- and that starts by having your heart in the right place…

- if you’re lighting it up on social media, and getting into a fight with every teacher and administrator in sight, and have yourself worked up in a fury about the virus, and the election, and your views on social justice, etc…

- it’s likely that your child has been watching that example very carefully…ask any teacher and they can tell you pretty quickly how topics are being discussed at home…

- conversely, if God is your refuge and your strength…your very present help in time of trouble…you’re finding ways to calm your own soul…and hopefully that’s taken you to this place…

- we’re going to joyfully follow the leadership God has given us…and we’re going to trust the Lord to watch over us today…

- it’s the parent’s job to have you son or daughter well rested, well fed, and most importantly – prepared spiritually and emotionally and mentally to face the challenges of each school day…

- and please remember, this isn’t just principles or duty or religion or ritual…

C. God is with us.

- Psalm 46:5 - God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

- the personal presence of our Savior can and should be a source of tremendous hope and confidence right now…

- do you remember what we saw in our study of the book of Romans?

- Romans 8:38–39 - For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- this is why Jesus said… John 14:1–3 - Do not let your heart be troubled; [we ought to repeat that to ourselves over and over this fall] believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

- if that reality is settled, and it is – Christians can move through the upheavals of this life with a sense of serenity and security that only comes from our marvelous Savior…

- the passage goes on to explain how…

III. He is Our Champion in Battle – vv. 6-9

- read vv. 6-9

- please note that He is the One who is fighting the battle on our behalf…

- this is one of the reasons for example, that Christians don’t have to return evil for evil…

- why?...because the Lord takes care of that in His way, in His time – we just take our refuge in Him…

- and even when it’s something as significant as an entire nation making an uproar – or a political party…or a cultural movement…

- ultimately it will be judged on its willingness to humbly submit to the will and Word of the God of heaven and earth…

- and if not – what will happen according to verse 6… Psalm 46:6 - …He raised His voice, the earth melted.

- this portion of the Psalm hearkens back to Psalm 2…

A. Relationship to Psalm 2

- Psalm 2:1–12 - Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain. I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.” Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

- why is the world in such an uproar right now?...there are so many opinions and movements and world/life views that have completely abandoned God and His Word vying for attention and allegiance…it is very similar to that scene from Schindler’s List because there is so much fear and worry and anxiety…

- so one movement is under this floorboard – take refuge here…

- another approach in the chimney – take refuge here…

- a lot of them, dare I say it, in the philosophical and moral filth of the latrine…take refuge here…

- and I would implore every person in our church family…be very careful right now…we are living in vanity fair where there is potential idolatry around every corner…coupled with the strong lust – even amongst the people of God -- to be approved by the world

- always be on the lookout for pride and rebellion which are tell-tale signs of godlessness…

- and so many of those opinions and world/life views are the polar opposite of sound theology and biblical truth and pointing men and women to find their refuge in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ…

- the nations are in an uproar and the people are devising vain things…

- if there is any question in your mind about that – consider this – you know the “peaceful protests” that have been occurring in Portland…

- here’s a secular news report from the Friday before last -- Around 12:30 a.m. people began starting a fire in the street in front of the federal courthouse which started with burning a bible, then an American flag, until more and more items were added.

- friends, be careful where you find your refuge…

B. Be encouraged by the power of God’s voice

- when you are finding your refuge in Him, you can be encouraged that God will deal with rebellion and unbelief in His time and in His way…

- do you remember the story of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and Hezekiah, the king of Israel?...

- you can read about it in 2 Kings 18-19, and 2 Chronicles 32, or Isaiah 36-37

- but the nation of Assyria was on the rise…and they invaded Israel…and the pride with which they spoke was amazing…

- so Sennacherib sent his general who had the audacity to speak this to the people on the wall in Judean – their own language…

- Isaiah 36:18 - Beware that Hezekiah does not mislead you, saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?

- do you hear that?...don’t take your refuge in the God of the Bible…He’s not powerful enough to save you against us…if you take the time to study those passages, the pride and intimidation are stunning…

- and Isaiah counsels Hezekiah not to bow, and so the king cried out to the Lord…

- Isaiah 37:33–37 - Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield, or throw up a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he will not come to this city,” declares the Lord. “For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” Then the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men arose early in the morning, behold, all of these were dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home and lived at Nineveh. It came about as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place.

IV. He is Our Reason to Stop Fighting

- Psalm 46:10 has been turned into poems and songs and is sometimes found on posters and pictures…

- and the scene is generally in a meadow by a quiet brook…

- and the idea is – be still and know that I am God…in some sort of a passive, pastoral sense…

- that doesn’t capture the language here, or the argument of the text…

- this is a command to the turbulent world in which we live…

- Psalm 46:10 - “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

- there’s a humorous thought during an election cycle…cease striving in such godless ways…like waters roaring and foaming with swelling pride…

- it would certainly bring a sense of order and stability to world-wide pandemic management… cease striving in such godless ways…like waters roaring and foaming with swelling pride…

- it would change the way we discussed racial inequality and justice for all -- cease striving in such godless ways…like waters roaring and foaming with swelling pride…

- of course this is where our eschatology enters the equation (our view of the end times)…this kind of striving on the part of the nations and people of this world won’t ceases until the return of the Prince of Peace…who will bring final judgment on the nations and establish His kingdom on this earth…

- but in the meantime…we certainly don’t have to join in every fight that comes along…

- nor do we have to be gripped with fear and worry and anxiety about what will happen to the people of God now and in the days ahead…

- [develop the meaning of the word Selah]

- Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.