One Minute Devotion: Psalm 46:1

 Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

In today's times, atheism and agnosticism are on the rise, and steadily becoming more and more popular especially among the next generation. God has been portrayed as everything but who He is. Most misconceptions fall into three main ideologies. The first compare Him as a fairy tale like character, used as a crutch by the week minded. Others believe Him to be a brutal judge and a ruthless dictator just waiting for us to slip up or fall into sin so he may exact his revenge. Finally, the third group, picture Him as a hippie figure existing in a Woodstock like heaven doling out forgiveness and love without any regard for any personal responsibility or consequence of sin. All are inacurate views of a sovereign, almighty God whose primary focus is reuniting us with Himself and provide us life truly worth living through a continually growing relationship with Him. The Psalms demonstrate that perfectly. This verse gives us a snapshot into the true identity of God, one of shelter, protection, care, strength, and ever presence in our lives. The next verse states, and I paraphrase, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and mountains be carried away. Talk about your definition of strength; incomparable and boundless. Even when we may not feel His presence, He is there, protecting us from the pains and dangers we do not see, or those to come. The shepherds hand is always on us, guiding the willing, protecting His children, carrying us over uneven ground, and illuminating the darkness through His unquestionable and infallible word. The periods we are unable to feel Him near may be a failure, on our part, to comprehend His presence. We try to construct it using our own limited beliefs, rather than seeking to understand His working and methods by His scriptures. The pain you are experiencing is real, your trauma evident, and struggle acknowledged. Nothing is more powerful than the move of the Lord. His peace surpasses all understanding if we are willing to seek it out and accept it. Fear not, God is always with you, He never deviates from His promises, and will never forget or forsake you. God bless.