WEBVTT 00:00:00.100 --> 00:00:02.940 Well, Christ the King, it is so good to be worshiping with you all. 00:00:03.320 --> 00:00:08.839 I think I said this the last time I was here, but it is such a wonderful reminder when we are all able to come together 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:16.039 and when you have a guest preacher or you have a guest group of people like the Grove Church Launch Team, which is up front here. 00:00:16.420 --> 00:00:22.400 It is just such a good reminder of how big the kingdom of God is and how big the church is. 00:00:23.279 --> 00:00:31.640 So this morning we are going to be preaching from Psalm 46, but I'd like to start by telling a story of my week this week. 00:00:32.780 --> 00:00:37.759 On Thursday night, I sat in my bed and it was 3 a.m. 00:00:38.759 --> 00:00:45.619 I was wide awake and I was staring into the darkness of my room and I was petting my dogs. 00:00:45.619 --> 00:00:54.579 My chest felt tight and my mind was racing with questions. 00:00:55.799 --> 00:00:57.379 A million what-ifs. 00:00:58.659 --> 00:01:01.219 What if I let my team down? 00:01:03.119 --> 00:01:05.959 What if I'm not a good enough leader? 00:01:07.479 --> 00:01:11.039 What if the Grove Church fails? 00:01:11.040 --> 00:01:16.160 What if I can't finish this sermon by Sunday? 00:01:16.700 --> 00:01:18.620 What if I can't pay my bills? 00:01:18.880 --> 00:01:22.360 What if my wife or children fall ill? 00:01:23.840 --> 00:01:24.380 What if? 00:01:25.500 --> 00:01:30.200 The weight of worry pressed down on me at that moment. 00:01:31.580 --> 00:01:37.100 Now, funny enough, I don't struggle with anxiety typically. 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:48.140 But similar when you pray for patience in preparation of preaching this sermon, I had gotten more than I asked for. 00:01:49.679 --> 00:01:54.399 What happened to me from Thursday through Friday is not unique. 00:01:55.119 --> 00:01:57.039 In fact, it's alarmingly common. 00:01:57.040 --> 00:02:07.340 According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. 00:02:08.219 --> 00:02:11.420 They affect 40 million Americans. 00:02:12.560 --> 00:02:15.520 That's nearly 18% of the population. 00:02:16.400 --> 00:02:19.500 This struggle is shared by many. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:23.759 Our world today is one of constant connectivity. 00:02:23.759 --> 00:02:31.239 We all know this to be true, but it comes with a never-ending barrage of information, demands, and expectations. 00:02:32.359 --> 00:02:37.459 The average American checks their phone 96 times a day. 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:40.639 That is once every 10 minutes. 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:44.759 And each glance brings a new reason to worry. 00:02:45.299 --> 00:02:50.139 Whether it be breaking news or the comparisons that we make on social media between, 00:02:50.139 --> 00:02:51.839 Am I doing as well as that person? 00:02:52.159 --> 00:02:54.459 Oh, it's been a while since I was able to take my family on a vacation. 00:02:56.619 --> 00:03:05.159 Or our work emails or a personal to-do list that just keeps expanding, growing and growing, never really being finished. 00:03:05.779 --> 00:03:06.679 Not able to shrink. 00:03:07.739 --> 00:03:12.439 The result is a society that is more anxious and stressed than ever before. 00:03:12.439 --> 00:03:17.000 You do not need to know the stats to understand this. 00:03:18.719 --> 00:03:21.359 In fact, could you just do me a favor in this moment? 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:23.819 I want you to answer a question in your head. 00:03:25.319 --> 00:03:27.419 How are you doing? 00:03:29.539 --> 00:03:30.579 How are you doing? 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:38.919 Now, how many of you included something in your answer about your level of busyness and or productivity? 00:03:38.919 --> 00:03:45.399 And if you didn't this morning, how many would typically would answer that question Monday through Friday? 00:03:45.859 --> 00:03:47.839 Well, I'm pretty busy, but this is what I'm getting done. 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:51.819 Every single one of us would do that. 00:03:53.119 --> 00:03:59.000 Nearly 80% of adults are feeling significant stress over the future of our nation. 00:03:59.859 --> 00:04:00.259 Shocker. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:01.319 It's an election year. 00:04:01.319 --> 00:04:08.919 Financial pressures, health concerns, political division, the relentless pace of our modern life, 00:04:09.079 --> 00:04:14.819 all have contributed to what many are calling an epidemic of anxiety. 00:04:15.819 --> 00:04:17.819 And it's not just affecting our adults. 00:04:18.519 --> 00:04:21.719 Our children and teenagers are feeling it too. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:29.980 Many more schools than ever are reporting the troubles of our youth with the pressure of academic achievement, 00:04:30.460 --> 00:04:34.680 social media, and the feeling of an uncertain future. 00:04:36.580 --> 00:04:39.160 In moments like the one that I had on Thursday, 00:04:40.320 --> 00:04:42.520 when the weight of worry feels unbearable, 00:04:43.140 --> 00:04:45.860 the world offers many solutions. 00:04:45.860 --> 00:04:48.840 We've all seen the self-help books. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:51.759 We've all seen meditation guiding apps. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:55.240 Heck, one of Apple's features, new features a few years ago, 00:04:55.420 --> 00:04:58.300 was a reminder on an Apple Watch to take a moment and breathe. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.879 Even our technology knows that there's something wrong. 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:09.980 And deep down we know that we are not going to find true peace 00:05:09.980 --> 00:05:14.100 in temporary distractions or surface-level solutions. 00:05:14.100 --> 00:05:19.460 We need a solution that addresses the depth of our soul's distress. 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:27.520 We need something, someone stronger, steadier, and more secure. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:35.820 In this broken world, we need Jesus, our Christ, our God. 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:41.240 Psalm 46 speaks directly to our anxious hearts. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:46.960 God calls us to be still and know that I am God. 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:49.579 It's exactly what this morning is. 00:05:50.019 --> 00:05:55.720 It's an opportunity to be still and know that He is God. 00:05:56.300 --> 00:06:00.860 He will hold and He does hold the world and our lives in His very hands. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:06.100 This passage is a reassurance that God is our refuge and strength. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:09.639 He is ever-present as a helper in our trouble. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:13.939 And when everything feels unstable, God is our fortress. 00:06:14.460 --> 00:06:17.319 He is in control and the one that we can rely on. 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:22.639 This morning we will be still and work through Psalm 46. 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:29.379 We will discover how this song of praise exposes a reprieve and a deep abiding peace 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:36.079 that only comes from knowing God and trusting in His unshakable presence. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:44.139 Amid our anxious society, amid money problems, amid losing your job, losing your significant other, 00:06:44.139 --> 00:06:52.699 physical pain or illness or relationship difficulty, amid leaving a perfectly healthy church to plant a new church, 00:06:53.300 --> 00:06:55.439 like the Grove Launch Team is doing, 00:06:56.819 --> 00:07:03.139 Psalm 46 reminds us that we are not alone and that we find our true and lasting security in God. 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:04.839 Did you catch that? 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:09.779 God is our true and lasting security. 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:15.299 Now with our minds on the weight of anxiety that presses down on so many of us, 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:18.319 we turn to the words of Psalm 46. 00:07:19.739 --> 00:07:24.279 The sermon is going to be in three major sections and each time we come into a section, 00:07:24.339 --> 00:07:26.779 I'm going to read the text associated with that. 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:29.959 So for the first reading, we have Psalm 46, 1 through 3. 00:07:31.219 --> 00:07:35.500 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:40.100 Therefore, we will not fear through the earth gives way, 00:07:40.899 --> 00:07:43.139 though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:48.980 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:53.279 Psalm 46 begins with an affirmation. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:57.439 It says, God is our refuge and strength. 00:07:59.040 --> 00:08:02.879 Our refuge or our refuge is a place of safety, 00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:06.300 where people flee when danger threatens. 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:12.019 It is a place of security where the enemies of our world, 00:08:12.139 --> 00:08:16.839 the enemies of Christ, of the way we believe and think and feel, 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:19.199 they cannot reach us. 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:23.699 Anxiety in your mind cannot be reached either. 00:08:24.659 --> 00:08:30.800 The psalmist used this imagery to convey that God is the place of safety for His people. 00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:34.759 When life's storm rages, 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:38.639 when the pressures of the world become too much to bear, 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:40.340 God is our refuge. 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:42.860 He is the one we can run to, 00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:46.259 knowing that within His protection we are secure. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:49.899 God is not just a place of safety. 00:08:50.740 --> 00:08:52.060 He is also our strength. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:56.659 God empowers us to face the challenges ahead. 00:08:57.620 --> 00:08:58.799 We all need to hear this. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:01.919 God is not just a place we retreat to. 00:09:02.459 --> 00:09:03.779 He is our refuge, yes. 00:09:04.319 --> 00:09:07.639 But He also provides the strength we need to move forward. 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:11.500 In our strength, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, 00:09:12.099 --> 00:09:15.019 paralyzed by fear, and unsure of what to do next. 00:09:15.359 --> 00:09:18.899 But God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:21.899 And when we feel like we can't go on, 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:25.559 God's strength enables us to persevere, 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:27.259 to push on, 00:09:27.599 --> 00:09:28.419 to push through. 00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:35.759 The verse goes on to describe God as a very present help in trouble. 00:09:36.479 --> 00:09:38.519 This phrase is packed with meaning. 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:41.759 God is not distant or detached. 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:44.379 He's not some lofty God that we don't know, 00:09:44.459 --> 00:09:45.159 that's not available, 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:46.579 that's not there for us truly. 00:09:46.959 --> 00:09:49.339 He is very present. 00:09:50.340 --> 00:09:52.000 He is with us amid our struggles, 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.100 not just as a passive observer, 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:56.360 but as an active helper. 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.720 Everyone here has that friend. 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:01.320 I don't want you naming names, 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.320 so just think them in your head. 00:10:02.899 --> 00:10:03.920 Has that friend that says, 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:04.399 you know what, 00:10:04.440 --> 00:10:05.019 you need something, 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.460 let me know. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:06.680 I'm available, 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:07.280 I can help, 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:09.019 I can do whatever it is you need me to do. 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:10.480 And yet, 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:12.200 anytime we reach out to them, 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:14.460 they happen to already be busy. 00:10:14.940 --> 00:10:17.200 There's already something going on in their life, 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:18.960 and they actually can't come and help. 00:10:19.680 --> 00:10:22.040 That is not what is being said about God. 00:10:22.400 --> 00:10:25.780 God is our very present helper. 00:10:26.140 --> 00:10:27.400 He isn't just available, 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:29.280 he is present with us in real time, 00:10:29.660 --> 00:10:31.000 offering his help and strength 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.480 exactly when we need it. 00:10:34.400 --> 00:10:36.440 Whether the trouble we face is a crisis 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:38.120 that has come out of nowhere, 00:10:38.520 --> 00:10:41.000 like it was for me at three o'clock in the morning on Thursday, 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:43.400 or is a persistent struggle 00:10:43.400 --> 00:10:45.080 we've been battling for years. 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:49.740 God is present and ready to help. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:55.000 With this understanding of God as our refuge and strength, 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:58.820 the psalmist boldly declares in verses two to three, 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:01.340 therefore we will not fear, 00:11:01.680 --> 00:11:02.940 though the earth gives way, 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:05.740 though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 00:11:06.040 --> 00:11:07.900 though its waters roar and foam, 00:11:08.180 --> 00:11:10.960 though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:16.560 Here the psalmist paints a vivid picture of natural disaster, 00:11:17.400 --> 00:11:20.800 events that are entirely outside of human control. 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:23.639 The imagery of the earth giving way, 00:11:24.200 --> 00:11:26.160 mountains falling into the sea, 00:11:26.900 --> 00:11:29.040 the waters roaring, 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:32.400 convey a sense of total chaos and destruction. 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:34.699 These are the kind of events 00:11:34.699 --> 00:11:37.059 that strike terror into the hearts 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:38.840 of anyone experiencing them. 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:41.019 Just the image, the idea. 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:45.399 Yet in the face of such overwhelming forces, 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:46.459 the psalmist declares, 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:50.159 we will not fear. 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:54.879 This is not some naive denial of reality, 00:11:55.879 --> 00:11:59.559 but rather a profound statement of trust in God. 00:12:00.199 --> 00:12:02.240 It is subtle, but you need to recognize 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:03.740 he is not saying, 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.559 because God is present, 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:07.199 you do not need to fear. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:08.559 That's not what he's saying. 00:12:09.459 --> 00:12:10.480 He is saying, 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:11.980 he is boldly speaking, 00:12:12.079 --> 00:12:13.919 the reality of God's presence 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:17.319 and how we will live in that presence. 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.539 It is not a call, 00:12:18.539 --> 00:12:19.559 it is not a command, 00:12:19.659 --> 00:12:22.259 but it is a description of our reality. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:26.159 We will not fear. 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:30.819 The psalmist's confidence is rooted 00:12:30.819 --> 00:12:33.179 not in the stability of the earth or the mountains, 00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:36.620 but in the unshakable nature of God. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:41.059 God remains steadfast. 00:12:41.439 --> 00:12:42.679 He is the one constant, 00:12:42.819 --> 00:12:45.659 the one refuge that cannot be moved. 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:47.059 No matter how turbulent 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:49.000 the world around us becomes, 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.599 he will not move, 00:12:51.079 --> 00:12:52.979 and he is ultimately the one that controls 00:12:52.979 --> 00:12:54.039 that turbulence. 00:12:56.039 --> 00:12:56.899 For us today, 00:12:56.979 --> 00:12:58.639 these verses speak directly 00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:00.279 to our own experiences. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.319 Our mountains may be 00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:04.539 financial crises, 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:05.779 health problems, 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:06.959 relationship struggles, 00:13:07.779 --> 00:13:09.059 societal unrest, 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.919 all of the things of anxiety 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:12.599 that have already been talked about this morning. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:14.080 The roaring waters 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:16.159 might be the overwhelming flood 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:17.379 of information, 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:18.500 responsibilities, 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:19.680 expectations 00:13:19.680 --> 00:13:20.879 that are threatening 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:22.180 to drown us 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:23.500 each and every single day. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:25.680 It could also be 00:13:25.680 --> 00:13:27.899 the very real natural disasters 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:29.440 that we experience in this world, 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.360 our earthquakes 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.259 and tidal waves, 00:13:31.580 --> 00:13:32.779 volcanic explosions, 00:13:33.040 --> 00:13:34.200 and tornadoes. 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:36.060 Yet like the psalmist, 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:36.980 we can declare 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:40.720 we will not fear. 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:43.160 not because we are strong 00:13:43.160 --> 00:13:43.740 in ourselves, 00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:45.160 but because God 00:13:45.160 --> 00:13:46.120 is our refuge 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.300 and strength. 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:49.100 He is with us 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:50.440 and he is greater 00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:51.180 than anything 00:13:51.180 --> 00:13:52.940 that can come against us. 00:13:54.060 --> 00:13:54.879 In a world 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:55.500 where so much 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:56.440 feels uncertain 00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:57.399 and out of control, 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:58.620 Psalm 46 00:13:58.620 --> 00:14:00.340 calls us to anchor our hearts 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:00.940 in the truth 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:01.740 of who God is. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:03.420 He is our refuge, 00:14:03.980 --> 00:14:04.580 our strength, 00:14:05.180 --> 00:14:06.200 our ever-present help. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:08.960 When we trust him, 00:14:09.520 --> 00:14:10.640 we can face 00:14:10.640 --> 00:14:11.800 even the most terrifying 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:12.980 of circumstances 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:14.400 with a peace 00:14:14.400 --> 00:14:16.320 that defies understanding. 00:14:17.160 --> 00:14:18.340 This is the peace 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:20.100 that is promised by Jesus. 00:14:20.660 --> 00:14:21.220 The peace 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.040 that the world 00:14:22.040 --> 00:14:22.900 cannot give 00:14:22.900 --> 00:14:24.180 and it's ours 00:14:24.180 --> 00:14:25.520 when we take refuge 00:14:25.520 --> 00:14:26.759 in our mighty God. 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:30.000 God is not only 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.060 a protector 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:32.560 but also deeply present 00:14:32.560 --> 00:14:33.780 with his people. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:35.039 And the psalmist 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:36.439 further explores 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:37.279 God's presence 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:38.819 in verses 4 through 7. 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:39.559 Let me read that 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:40.439 again for us. 00:14:41.339 --> 00:14:42.059 There is a river 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:43.319 whose streams 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:44.079 make glad 00:14:44.079 --> 00:14:45.059 the city of God, 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:47.059 the holy habitation 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:47.939 of the Most High. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:50.120 God is in the midst 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:50.500 of her. 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:52.039 She shall not be moved. 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:53.799 God will help her 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:54.959 when morning dawns. 00:14:55.459 --> 00:14:56.459 The nations rage, 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.759 the kingdoms totter. 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.799 He utters his voice. 00:15:00.339 --> 00:15:02.019 The earth melts. 00:15:02.019 --> 00:15:04.079 The Lord of hosts 00:15:04.079 --> 00:15:04.919 is with us. 00:15:05.319 --> 00:15:06.240 The God of Jacob 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:08.059 is our fortress. 00:15:09.639 --> 00:15:11.019 Verse 4 introduces us 00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:12.179 to a serene 00:15:12.179 --> 00:15:14.220 and life-giving image. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.419 The psalmist invites us 00:15:16.419 --> 00:15:16.919 to imagine 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:18.120 a peaceful river 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.480 flowing through 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.360 the city of God 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:21.840 representing God's 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:22.639 dwelling place 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.720 among his people. 00:15:24.699 --> 00:15:25.340 In a world 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:27.019 where roaring seas 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:27.659 and mountains 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:29.000 falling into the sea 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.199 symbolize chaos 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:31.000 as we've seen 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:31.779 in the previous verses 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:32.860 this river 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:34.480 represents calm, 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:35.339 stability, 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:36.579 and life. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.279 Rivers are often seen 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:41.579 as a source of life 00:15:41.579 --> 00:15:42.299 and prosperity. 00:15:42.959 --> 00:15:44.259 They water the land, 00:15:44.579 --> 00:15:45.659 they sustain crops, 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:46.459 and they provide 00:15:46.459 --> 00:15:47.240 for the needs 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:47.699 of the people 00:15:47.699 --> 00:15:48.419 that are around it. 00:15:49.579 --> 00:15:50.759 The river symbolizes 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.980 God's provision 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:53.199 and blessing 00:15:53.199 --> 00:15:54.439 to his people. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.279 In this river, 00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:57.000 this is not just 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:57.879 a physical source 00:15:57.879 --> 00:15:58.339 of life, 00:15:58.340 --> 00:15:59.680 but it is a representation 00:15:59.680 --> 00:16:01.600 of spiritual nourishment 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.480 and the joy 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.040 that comes 00:16:03.040 --> 00:16:04.000 from God's presence. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:05.780 The city of God 00:16:05.780 --> 00:16:06.899 is made glad 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:07.879 by the river 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:09.440 because it is a reminder 00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:11.300 that God is there 00:16:11.300 --> 00:16:12.500 sustaining 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:13.759 and blessing 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:14.860 his people. 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.340 The significance 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.040 of this image 00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:19.560 deepens in verse 5 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.340 where we see 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.320 God is in the midst 00:16:21.320 --> 00:16:21.580 of her. 00:16:21.680 --> 00:16:22.860 She shall not be moved. 00:16:23.300 --> 00:16:24.259 God will help her 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:25.400 when morning dawns. 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:27.399 The city's stability 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:28.679 is not due to its walls, 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:29.360 its defenses, 00:16:29.579 --> 00:16:31.199 or any human effort, 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.679 but because God 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:34.279 is in the midst 00:16:34.279 --> 00:16:35.139 of her. 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:37.279 His presence ensures 00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:37.980 that the city 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:40.459 shall not be moved. 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:41.899 No matter what threats 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:42.379 arise, 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:44.379 the city remains unshaken 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.439 because God 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:47.299 is in the midst of it. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:49.460 This verse 00:16:49.460 --> 00:16:51.039 powerfully reminds us 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:51.819 of God's presence 00:16:51.819 --> 00:16:52.559 in our lives, 00:16:53.199 --> 00:16:54.059 bringing stability 00:16:54.059 --> 00:16:54.779 and peace 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:56.319 and when God 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:56.959 is in our midst, 00:16:57.059 --> 00:16:58.039 when we are rooted 00:16:58.039 --> 00:16:58.980 in his presence, 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:00.779 our lives are grounded 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:02.559 no matter the circumstances. 00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:05.480 The morning here 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.759 could be symbolizing 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:07.379 a new beginning 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.740 after a night of fear 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:09.240 or struggle 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:10.259 like the one I had, 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.619 emphasizing that God's help 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:14.220 is timely and faithful 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:15.839 just as, 00:17:16.379 --> 00:17:16.779 some of you guys 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.480 might remember this, 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:19.200 just as when the morning 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.660 came and the Red Sea 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:22.160 swallowed the armies 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:23.099 of Egypt. 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:25.619 The morning came 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:27.179 and the seas closed 00:17:27.179 --> 00:17:28.480 on the armies. 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:30.939 The psalmist 00:17:30.939 --> 00:17:32.279 then contrasts 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.039 the tranquility 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:34.219 of God's presence 00:17:34.219 --> 00:17:35.459 with the state 00:17:35.459 --> 00:17:36.059 of the nations. 00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:37.459 We see here 00:17:37.459 --> 00:17:38.519 in 6-7 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:39.299 that the nations 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:39.799 rage, 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.799 the kingdoms totter, 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:42.539 and he utters his voice 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:43.599 and the earth melts. 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:45.359 The psalmist 00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:46.000 acknowledges 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:46.579 the reality 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.959 of political upheaval 00:17:47.959 --> 00:17:48.839 and instability. 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.619 The nations rage 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:51.539 and kingdoms totter 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.479 paint a picture 00:17:52.479 --> 00:17:53.199 of a world 00:17:53.199 --> 00:17:54.959 in constant turmoil 00:17:54.959 --> 00:17:56.919 where power struggles 00:17:56.919 --> 00:17:57.739 and conflicts 00:17:57.739 --> 00:17:58.759 are the norm. 00:18:00.459 --> 00:18:01.579 Does that sound familiar 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.819 to anyone right now? 00:18:04.419 --> 00:18:05.459 The psalmist 00:18:05.459 --> 00:18:07.239 quickly shifts 00:18:07.239 --> 00:18:08.779 back to God's sovereignty. 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.959 Despite the raging nations, 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:12.959 God's mere voice 00:18:12.959 --> 00:18:14.519 has the power 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:16.059 to melt the earth. 00:18:16.739 --> 00:18:18.359 This is a vivid reminder 00:18:18.359 --> 00:18:19.579 that God is present 00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:20.279 with his people 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.819 and is in control 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:23.779 of the entire world. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:25.599 The political powers 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:26.599 that seem so formidable 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.299 are nothing 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:28.500 before the Lord. 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:30.659 And with a single word, 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:32.479 he can bring an end 00:18:32.479 --> 00:18:33.419 to all 00:18:33.419 --> 00:18:35.299 of this turmoil. 00:18:38.179 --> 00:18:39.019 I wasn't sure 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:39.759 if I was going to say this 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.459 this morning or not. 00:18:41.659 --> 00:18:42.619 This might just be 00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:43.899 my Facebook profile feed. 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:47.080 But I do ask, 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:48.880 are we 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:51.360 living out 00:18:51.360 --> 00:18:52.940 in this political age 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:54.600 this truth? 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:57.800 Are we living 00:18:57.800 --> 00:18:58.680 as if 00:18:58.680 --> 00:19:00.040 God is in our midst 00:19:00.040 --> 00:19:02.000 and he is in control 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:02.540 of everything? 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:05.740 Or are we 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.759 fearfully posting, 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.780 fearfully reading, 00:19:09.800 --> 00:19:10.820 fearfully following 00:19:10.820 --> 00:19:12.160 everything that is 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:13.100 happening around us? 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:17.400 I hope not. 00:19:18.340 --> 00:19:19.080 And I pray that 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:20.780 moving forward, 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:21.500 we all know 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.900 that God is in control 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:25.120 and that we do not 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:25.860 need to be fearful. 00:19:27.340 --> 00:19:28.700 Verse 7 brings us back 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.580 to this comforting refrain. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.500 The Lord of hosts 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:33.580 is with us. 00:19:34.100 --> 00:19:35.060 The God of Jacob 00:19:35.060 --> 00:19:35.980 is our fortress. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.640 This refrain 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:38.800 serves as both 00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:39.440 a declaration 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.720 and an escalation 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:41.140 of something 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:41.759 that we have already 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.240 been told. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:43.839 The Lord of hosts 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.720 is referring 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.799 to God's command 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:47.359 over heavenly armies, 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:49.240 emphasizing his power 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:50.120 and authority. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.559 This is often used 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:52.359 to point to 00:19:52.359 --> 00:19:53.140 Christ, 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:54.519 who has authority 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:55.660 over all angels, 00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:56.380 who rules 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.160 today. 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.440 The God of Jacob 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:00.640 highlights his personal 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.400 and covenantal 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:02.599 relationship with his people. 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:04.200 He is both mighty 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.880 and intimately involved 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.539 in the lives 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.140 of his people. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.099 This refrain 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.880 is crucial 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:10.780 because it actually 00:20:10.780 --> 00:20:12.020 connects the power, 00:20:13.060 --> 00:20:13.700 his power, 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:15.060 and his presence. 00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:17.760 The God who controls 00:20:17.760 --> 00:20:18.520 the fate of nations 00:20:18.520 --> 00:20:19.860 is the same God 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:20.800 who is with us, 00:20:21.320 --> 00:20:22.140 protecting us, 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:23.520 and sustaining us. 00:20:24.060 --> 00:20:25.460 He is our fortress, 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:27.060 a place of safety 00:20:27.060 --> 00:20:29.600 that cannot be breached. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:31.419 In a world 00:20:31.419 --> 00:20:32.379 where nations rage 00:20:32.379 --> 00:20:33.759 and kingdoms 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.159 totter, 00:20:34.379 --> 00:20:34.899 where the news 00:20:34.899 --> 00:20:35.779 is often filled 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.359 with reports 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:37.000 of conflict 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.719 and instability, 00:20:38.139 --> 00:20:38.939 this truth 00:20:38.939 --> 00:20:40.559 brings a profound 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:41.500 comfort. 00:20:42.439 --> 00:20:43.179 We are not 00:20:43.179 --> 00:20:44.179 at the mercy 00:20:44.179 --> 00:20:45.419 of the world's chaos 00:20:45.419 --> 00:20:46.719 because the Lord 00:20:46.719 --> 00:20:47.480 of hosts 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:48.699 is with us. 00:20:49.859 --> 00:20:51.159 Jesus Christ 00:20:51.159 --> 00:20:52.740 has come 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.759 and died 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.599 on the cross 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:55.959 for us. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:59.360 For believers today, 00:20:59.460 --> 00:20:59.900 these verses 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:00.940 offer a powerful 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.079 message of hope. 00:21:03.140 --> 00:21:03.779 No matter how 00:21:03.779 --> 00:21:04.960 unstable the world 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:05.480 may seem 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:07.160 or how chaotic 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:08.200 our personal lives 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:08.860 might become, 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.420 God is in our midst 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.680 and he brings 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.340 peace. 00:21:13.700 --> 00:21:14.840 Where is God? 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:17.079 He is with us. 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.380 He is with us 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.160 this very morning. 00:21:20.100 --> 00:21:20.559 It's what we just 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:21.140 prayed for 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:21.900 in our call to worship. 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.000 And we all know 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.279 the passage in Matthew 18 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.779 that says, 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.940 where two or more 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:26.420 are gathered 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.299 in my name, 00:21:27.379 --> 00:21:27.920 I am there. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:28.879 Right? 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:30.779 There's more than two. 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:32.519 He is present 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.279 with us this morning. 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.359 Right? 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:36.539 So one sure place 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:37.319 that you can always 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:37.980 feel the presence 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.399 of God 00:21:38.399 --> 00:21:39.720 is right here 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:41.059 with your church 00:21:41.059 --> 00:21:41.680 body 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.619 at Christ the King. 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.660 He is present. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:46.740 He is with us. 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:47.639 He is in our midst. 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.259 We are being still 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.740 and we are knowing God. 00:21:52.139 --> 00:21:53.399 Each and every single week 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:53.980 when we gather 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:54.720 to worship Him, 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:57.019 where else do we know 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:57.960 that God dwells now? 00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:00.000 In the Psalm of Praise, 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.000 we know that He is 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.119 in the Holy City. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.319 He is in the temple. 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:05.440 What does 1 Corinthians 3 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.000 tell us? 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:08.160 Do you not know 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:10.160 that you are God's temple 00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:12.019 and that God's Spirit 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:13.460 dwells in you? 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:15.180 Brothers and sisters 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:15.799 in the Lord, 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:18.259 the very Spirit of God, 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:20.000 our very present helper, 00:22:20.160 --> 00:22:20.859 our refuge, 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:21.700 our strength, 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:23.160 our river of peace 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:23.700 and life, 00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:26.060 dwells in you. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:28.700 He's in you. 00:22:30.040 --> 00:22:31.200 He is in our midst, 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:33.019 ensuring that we shall 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:34.460 not be moved. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.100 Now listen, 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.820 I tried really hard 00:22:37.820 --> 00:22:39.019 not to do this illustration, 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.460 but I see Lord of the Rings 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.580 illustrations all throughout 00:22:41.580 --> 00:22:42.320 this whole text. 00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:43.900 I'm only going to do one. 00:22:44.120 --> 00:22:44.620 This is going to be 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.519 the only one I promise. 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.300 So listen up. 00:22:48.299 --> 00:22:50.819 When Gandalf stands 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.559 on the bridge 00:22:51.559 --> 00:22:53.659 and he says, 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:55.659 you shall not pass. 00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:57.419 And he drops his staff 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:59.279 and the bridge breaks 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:00.099 and the Balrog 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:01.339 and him fall down 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:02.079 into the depths. 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:04.419 He had to leave 00:23:04.419 --> 00:23:06.000 those he was trying 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:06.500 to protect. 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:08.339 He had to leave 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:09.039 their presence 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:10.319 and sacrifice himself 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:12.200 and separate from them 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:13.759 in order to protect them. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:14.960 And yet, 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:16.900 we have a Savior 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:18.640 that has always been 00:23:18.640 --> 00:23:19.480 in our midst. 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:21.359 We have the presence 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:21.920 of God 00:23:21.920 --> 00:23:22.480 who says, 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:24.539 we shall not be moved. 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:26.660 We will not be moved. 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:27.519 And for the Lord 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.460 of the Rings book lovers, 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.900 in the presence of God, 00:23:30.119 --> 00:23:32.099 we cannot be moved. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.160 Fun fact, 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:33.759 if you didn't know, 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:35.160 you shall not be moved 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.839 was a blooper. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.599 It's supposed to be, 00:23:36.660 --> 00:23:37.599 I cannot be moved. 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.960 Or you shall not, 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.799 you cannot pass. 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.500 That's what I was trying 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:41.740 to say. 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.859 You cannot pass. 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:46.140 And when the nations rage, 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:47.660 we can rest in the assurance 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.859 that God's voice, 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.039 God's will, 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:51.599 is sovereign over all. 00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:53.759 Our refuge is not 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.759 in earthly powers 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:56.099 or personal strength, 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.279 but in the God 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.339 who is with us 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.619 and above all. 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.940 Amid anxiety 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:02.839 and uncertainty, 00:24:03.099 --> 00:24:03.980 Psalm 46, 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:04.940 4-7 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:06.680 calls us to anchor ourselves 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:08.460 in the presence of God. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.859 To find our peace 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.420 in the one 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.240 who is with us 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:12.440 and controls all things. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.700 When we do, 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.880 we can experience 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:15.320 a peace 00:24:15.320 --> 00:24:16.700 that is not dependent 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:17.820 on circumstances, 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:18.740 but rooted 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:20.380 in our sovereign God's 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:22.259 unshakable presence. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:24.740 He is our true 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:26.200 and lasting security. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.140 We come to 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:32.640 Psalm 46, 00:24:33.279 --> 00:24:34.320 8-11. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.700 Let me read that 00:24:35.700 --> 00:24:36.240 for us here. 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.079 Come behold 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.160 the works of the Lord, 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.759 how He has brought 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:42.220 desolations on the earth. 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:44.120 He makes wars cease 00:24:44.120 --> 00:24:45.299 to the end of the earth. 00:24:45.880 --> 00:24:47.019 He breaks the bow 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:48.940 and shatters the spear. 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:50.559 He burns the chariot 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:51.079 with fire. 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.700 Be still 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:54.559 and know that I am God. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:56.299 I will be exalted 00:24:56.299 --> 00:24:57.120 among the nations. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.539 I will be exalted 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.420 in the earth. 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:01.180 The Lord of hosts 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.140 is with us. 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:03.460 The God of Jacob 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.680 is our fortress. 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:07.019 There are two calls 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.960 or commands 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:08.740 in this text 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:10.500 and they are both found 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.580 in this section 00:25:11.580 --> 00:25:12.519 of the song. 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.400 We are called 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.180 to behold the works 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:14.759 of the Lord, 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:16.100 that is Yahweh here, 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:17.840 which is a different word 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:18.759 from the word translated 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:19.539 as God 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:20.340 that we have already seen 00:25:20.340 --> 00:25:21.200 in this text. 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:22.620 I am not going to butcher 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.519 the Hebrew text 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:24.360 in front of my former 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.340 Old Testament professor, 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:25.880 Eric Tully. 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.500 You will just have to believe me 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.880 and your Bible translators 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.340 here. 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:31.819 Then we are called 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:32.939 to respond 00:25:32.939 --> 00:25:33.919 with stillness 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.659 and trust. 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:36.659 This is the pivotal point 00:25:36.659 --> 00:25:37.419 of the psalm 00:25:37.419 --> 00:25:38.500 where the focus shifts 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.559 from describing 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.639 God's protection 00:25:40.639 --> 00:25:41.419 and presence 00:25:41.419 --> 00:25:42.959 to a direct call 00:25:42.959 --> 00:25:44.199 for us to respond 00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:45.099 to Him 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:46.059 in faith. 00:25:47.419 --> 00:25:47.859 Come, 00:25:48.179 --> 00:25:48.619 behold 00:25:48.619 --> 00:25:49.699 the works of the Lord, 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:51.099 how He has brought 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:51.779 desolations 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:52.619 on the earth. 00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:53.779 Here the psalmist 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:55.399 calls us to come 00:25:55.399 --> 00:25:56.459 and behold, 00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.559 to recognize 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:58.460 and witness 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.599 what God has done. 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.039 This isn't some 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:02.440 passive observation. 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:04.599 It is an active call 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:05.279 to pay attention 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:06.779 to God's mighty works 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.659 in the world. 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.519 I can't think of 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.240 any mightier work 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.079 to pay witness to 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:12.139 than the death 00:26:12.139 --> 00:26:13.000 of Jesus Christ 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:14.159 on the cross. 00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:16.619 The defeat of sin. 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.379 The defeat of death. 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.500 The term desolations 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.200 might initially 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.240 seem unsettling, 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.480 but it points 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.480 to God's ability 00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:26.240 to bring about 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:28.059 significant change, 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:29.380 often by removing 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:30.200 what is evil 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.279 or oppressive. 00:26:32.380 --> 00:26:33.559 In the historical context, 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.620 this likely is referring 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:35.720 to God's interventions 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:36.380 in history 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:37.420 where He delivered 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.839 Israel from 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.099 certain doom, 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:41.420 usually through 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.059 some dramatic 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:43.099 and decisive acts 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:44.019 in the final moments. 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.220 For example, 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:46.799 the deliverance 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:47.259 of Jerusalem 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:48.599 from the Assyrian army 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:49.460 in the time 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.519 of King Hezekiah 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:52.019 could be one such work 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.000 of the Lord 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:53.599 that the people 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.240 were encouraged 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:54.839 to remember. 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:57.779 Verse 9 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.759 continues this theme 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.299 by describing 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:00.079 God's power 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.160 to end conflicts. 00:27:01.859 --> 00:27:02.620 He makes wars 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.700 cease to the end 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:04.160 of the earth. 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.519 He breaks the bow 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.759 and shatters the spear. 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:08.059 He burns the chariots 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.480 with fire. 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:10.620 These are vivid images 00:27:10.620 --> 00:27:11.539 of God bringing 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.680 an end to warfare 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.980 and destruction. 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:15.700 The bow, spear, 00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:16.299 and chariot 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.319 were the most advanced 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.380 weapons of time. 00:27:19.380 --> 00:27:19.819 Think of 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:21.240 our assault rifles, 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.559 our tanks, 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.799 our nuclear weapons, 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.599 our drones, 00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:26.680 all being destroyed 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.919 by the snap 00:27:27.919 --> 00:27:28.419 of a finger 00:27:28.419 --> 00:27:30.019 or by the same voice 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.799 that makes the earth 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.279 melt. 00:27:31.740 --> 00:27:32.980 All weapons of war 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:33.659 melt. 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:36.899 Yet God 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:38.019 effortlessly destroys 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:38.680 all of them 00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:39.419 bringing peace 00:27:39.419 --> 00:27:40.159 where conflict 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:41.419 once existed. 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.240 This part of the psalm 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:43.899 reminds us that 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:44.700 God is not only 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.299 a refuge 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:46.259 in times of trouble 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:47.399 but the ultimate 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.480 peacemaker. 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.460 He has the power 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:51.359 to end wars 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.259 and to bring about 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.519 peace on a global 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.039 scale. 00:27:54.959 --> 00:27:55.659 And when we look 00:27:55.659 --> 00:27:56.459 at the turmoil 00:27:56.459 --> 00:27:57.519 of our world today, 00:27:57.879 --> 00:27:59.000 the ongoing conflicts, 00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.879 the political strife, 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:00.879 and the social unrest, 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:01.959 these verses 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:02.819 remind us 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.459 that God 00:28:03.459 --> 00:28:05.299 is in control. 00:28:05.939 --> 00:28:06.819 He is at work 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:08.279 even when we 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.079 cannot see it. 00:28:09.959 --> 00:28:10.719 He is at work. 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:14.359 Then comes 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.299 one of the Bible's 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.259 most well-known 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.699 and beloved verses. 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.700 In fact, 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.480 I just saw it 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:20.920 on a wall 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.779 earlier this week. 00:28:23.340 --> 00:28:23.920 Be still 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:24.980 and know 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:26.400 that I am God. 00:28:27.580 --> 00:28:28.519 This command 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:29.480 is as profound 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:30.940 as it is simple. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:32.819 While describing 00:28:32.819 --> 00:28:34.120 God's powerful acts, 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.580 the psalmist relays 00:28:35.580 --> 00:28:37.180 God's direct command 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:37.940 to us. 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.740 Be still. 00:28:40.880 --> 00:28:42.660 Stop striving. 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.980 Stop trying 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:46.039 to control everything. 00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.920 Stop trying 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.740 to save yourself. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:50.819 Stop and surrender 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:52.099 all things 00:28:52.099 --> 00:28:53.019 to me. 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.579 God is 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:56.420 our true 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:57.599 and lasting security. 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.779 This is an invitation 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.740 to let go 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:01.420 of our need 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:01.839 to manage 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:02.559 every detail 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.180 of our lives 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:03.859 and to trust 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:04.819 that God 00:29:04.819 --> 00:29:06.319 is in control. 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.099 This stillness 00:29:08.099 --> 00:29:09.240 is not merely 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:11.240 about a physical rest, 00:29:11.779 --> 00:29:12.680 but a deep 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.839 spiritual rest 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.759 that comes 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.740 from trusting 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.740 in the sovereignty 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.259 of God. 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.519 The second part 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:20.019 of the verse 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.259 says, 00:29:20.620 --> 00:29:22.200 Know that I am God. 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.380 It is not simply 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:25.200 enough to stop 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:25.880 and rest. 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.559 We must recognize 00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:28.519 and acknowledge 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.500 who God is. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.680 He is the one 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.440 who is exalted 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.480 above all nations. 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:34.819 He is exalted 00:29:34.819 --> 00:29:35.319 in the earth. 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:35.819 He is the one 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.519 that speaks 00:29:36.519 --> 00:29:37.180 with His voice 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.680 and the earth 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:38.380 melts away. 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:39.460 He is the one 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:40.380 that is very present. 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:41.859 To know God, 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.859 we must live 00:29:42.859 --> 00:29:43.839 lives of worship 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:44.659 and pursue 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:46.019 a deep understanding 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.519 of Him. 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:48.179 This knowledge, 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:48.399 though, 00:29:48.439 --> 00:29:49.259 is not just 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.899 intellectual. 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:51.579 It does not 00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:52.559 stop at the mind. 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:54.379 It must be 00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.199 experienced 00:29:55.199 --> 00:29:55.919 and brought 00:29:55.919 --> 00:29:56.559 to your heart. 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:58.959 We are called 00:29:58.959 --> 00:29:59.519 to know God 00:29:59.519 --> 00:29:59.859 deeply, 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.399 to experience 00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:02.039 His presence 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.819 and power 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:03.819 in our lives, 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.279 and to rest 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.980 in the assurance 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:07.099 that He is 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:07.980 indeed 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:09.139 in control. 00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:12.500 My assumption 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:13.900 is that none 00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:14.220 of this 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.980 is new information 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:15.460 to you. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:16.840 And yet, 00:30:17.200 --> 00:30:18.520 I know we all 00:30:18.520 --> 00:30:19.680 need this very 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:20.100 reminder 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:21.400 that God 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:23.680 is in control. 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.960 In our anxiety 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:27.820 driven culture, 00:30:28.780 --> 00:30:29.640 where busyness 00:30:29.640 --> 00:30:30.980 is often glorified 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:32.040 and control 00:30:32.040 --> 00:30:32.900 seems elusive, 00:30:33.320 --> 00:30:34.080 this command 00:30:34.080 --> 00:30:35.380 to be still 00:30:35.380 --> 00:30:36.820 is challenging 00:30:36.820 --> 00:30:38.180 and countercultural. 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:40.240 But it is also 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.840 profoundly liberating. 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.140 It frees us 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:43.900 from the tyranny 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.779 of our efforts 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:46.220 and invites us 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:46.920 to a peace 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.000 that can come 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.940 only from knowing 00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:50.140 and trusting God. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:52.100 The psalm closes 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:53.500 with this refrain 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.360 in verse 11. 00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.460 It's the same one 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:55.860 we've already 00:30:55.860 --> 00:30:56.299 encountered. 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.940 The Lord of hosts 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:58.799 is with us. 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.120 The God of Jacob 00:31:00.120 --> 00:31:01.180 is our fortress. 00:31:01.799 --> 00:31:02.740 This repetition 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:04.160 serves to solidify 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:05.180 the psalm's central 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:06.420 message in our hearts. 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:07.779 It's as if 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.399 the psalmist 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:09.940 wants to leave us 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.980 with this final 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:12.379 resounding declaration. 00:31:12.899 --> 00:31:14.059 No matter what happens, 00:31:14.379 --> 00:31:15.440 no matter how chaotic 00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:16.399 the world may become, 00:31:16.639 --> 00:31:17.799 the Lord of hosts 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.639 is with us 00:31:18.639 --> 00:31:19.700 and we are secured 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:21.039 in His presence. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.819 God is our true 00:31:22.819 --> 00:31:24.220 and lasting security. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.299 Jesus Christ 00:31:25.299 --> 00:31:26.119 is our true 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:27.680 and lasting security. 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:27.759 security. 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.980 There is nothing 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:31.640 we can do 00:31:31.640 --> 00:31:34.960 to rid ourselves 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:35.539 of our sin. 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:36.560 There is nothing 00:31:36.560 --> 00:31:37.279 we can do 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.539 to rid ourselves 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.420 of the anxiety 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:40.019 and pressures 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:40.740 of the world. 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.759 It is only through 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:45.180 the Son of God, 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:45.900 Jesus Christ, 00:31:46.279 --> 00:31:47.240 that we will see 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:47.900 our true 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:49.000 and lasting security. 00:31:51.060 --> 00:31:52.019 Remember me 00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:54.220 just a couple nights ago 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:56.000 sitting on my bed 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:57.440 staring into the darkness 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:59.140 overwhelmed by the weight 00:31:59.140 --> 00:32:00.519 of worry and anxiety. 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:02.640 That single evening 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.339 of struggle 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:04.600 mirrors the experience 00:32:04.600 --> 00:32:06.100 of countless others 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:08.319 in our anxious society. 00:32:09.120 --> 00:32:09.559 Remember, 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:12.079 40 million Americans, 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.919 adults, 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:14.639 suffer from anxiety disorders. 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.480 It is clear 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:17.299 that we are a people 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.440 in desperate need 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.399 of security. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:21.000 We seek it 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:21.819 in our careers, 00:32:22.359 --> 00:32:24.019 our money, 00:32:24.179 --> 00:32:24.839 our bank accounts, 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.619 and even in our abilities. 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.279 But these things 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:29.000 as we have seen 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.339 are ultimately unstable 00:32:30.339 --> 00:32:32.000 and unreliable. 00:32:33.079 --> 00:32:33.879 Psalm 46 00:32:33.879 --> 00:32:35.019 offers a radically 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:36.179 different version 00:32:36.179 --> 00:32:36.799 of security. 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:38.079 Not based on the 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:39.220 transient and fragile 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:40.160 things of this world, 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.220 but on God's 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.539 unshakable nature. 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.200 We have explored 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:45.140 how God is our 00:32:45.140 --> 00:32:46.039 refuge and strength, 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:47.059 a very present 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:47.960 help in trouble. 00:32:48.299 --> 00:32:49.019 He is not just 00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:49.900 a temporary shelter 00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:51.100 in times of crisis, 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:52.299 but a constant 00:32:52.299 --> 00:32:53.579 enduring fortress 00:32:53.579 --> 00:32:54.740 where we can find 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:56.880 true and lasting peace. 00:32:57.120 --> 00:32:58.160 He is our true 00:32:58.160 --> 00:33:00.059 and lasting security. 00:33:01.480 --> 00:33:02.460 The psalmist shows us 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.059 that in the midst 00:33:03.059 --> 00:33:03.579 of chaos, 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.079 whether it be 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:05.019 the tumultuous 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:06.259 forces of nature 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:07.220 or politics 00:33:07.220 --> 00:33:08.319 or the raging nations, 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.000 God, 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:10.220 is present 00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:11.220 in us 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:12.200 and with us, 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:13.319 bringing peace 00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:14.299 and stability. 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:16.019 His presence 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:17.160 is like a calm, 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.339 life-giving river 00:33:18.339 --> 00:33:19.920 that sustains us 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:21.140 even when everything else 00:33:21.140 --> 00:33:22.720 is falling apart. 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:24.400 In the end, 00:33:24.880 --> 00:33:25.720 God calls us 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.660 to be still 00:33:26.660 --> 00:33:27.779 and know 00:33:27.779 --> 00:33:28.859 that I am God, 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:30.500 urging us 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:31.059 to cease 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:32.200 our frantic efforts 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:33.599 to control our lives 00:33:33.599 --> 00:33:34.500 and instead 00:33:34.500 --> 00:33:35.359 to trust 00:33:35.359 --> 00:33:36.160 fully 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:37.299 in Him. 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:39.680 that's the call. 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:41.500 Be still. 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.839 Know that I am God. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:45.899 The application 00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:46.879 is clear 00:33:46.879 --> 00:33:48.039 for all of us 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:48.720 who follow Christ, 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:49.500 for my dear brothers 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.059 and sisters 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:50.980 that are in these pews. 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:52.680 We must regularly 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:54.220 return to this truth 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:54.980 and allow it 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:55.599 to anchor 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:56.599 our souls. 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:57.740 We are invited 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:59.480 to find our true security 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.440 in God alone 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:01.440 in a world 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.099 that constantly 00:34:02.099 --> 00:34:02.740 bombards us 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.539 with reasons 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.639 to fear and worry. 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:05.840 this means 00:34:05.840 --> 00:34:06.980 making time 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:08.079 to be still 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:09.260 before Him, 00:34:09.760 --> 00:34:11.160 to seek His presence 00:34:11.160 --> 00:34:12.539 and to remind ourselves 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.320 daily that He is 00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:13.920 our fortress 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.460 no matter what challenge 00:34:15.460 --> 00:34:16.440 we are facing. 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:18.380 But to those 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:19.920 that aren't yet 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.960 our brothers and sisters 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.380 in Christ, 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.440 to those that do not 00:34:22.440 --> 00:34:23.340 call themselves Christ, 00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:24.079 do not claim 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:25.300 Christ as their Savior, 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:25.940 do not know 00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:26.599 that they are sinners 00:34:26.599 --> 00:34:27.960 in need of a Savior, 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:30.000 if you resonate 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.260 with me a couple nights ago 00:34:31.260 --> 00:34:31.960 overwhelmed, 00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:32.880 anxious, 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:33.480 and searching 00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:34.099 for something 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:35.500 solid to hold on to, 00:34:36.160 --> 00:34:37.039 know that God 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:38.079 is inviting you 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:39.200 to discover the peace 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:40.140 and security 00:34:40.140 --> 00:34:41.460 that can only be found 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:41.860 in Him. 00:34:42.740 --> 00:34:43.500 The invitation 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:44.619 to be still 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:46.240 and know that I am God 00:34:46.240 --> 00:34:47.840 is also for you. 00:34:48.760 --> 00:34:49.619 It's an invitation 00:34:49.619 --> 00:34:50.660 to stop striving 00:34:50.660 --> 00:34:51.260 on your own 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:52.880 and to find rest 00:34:52.880 --> 00:34:53.720 in God, 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.619 in the God 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.619 who created you, 00:34:56.019 --> 00:34:56.579 loves you, 00:34:56.740 --> 00:34:57.940 and desires for you 00:34:57.940 --> 00:34:59.660 to be safe 00:34:59.660 --> 00:35:01.059 in life's storms 00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:02.480 and safe 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.420 from the judgment 00:35:03.420 --> 00:35:04.320 of your own sins. 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.159 In a world 00:35:06.159 --> 00:35:07.179 where everything else 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:08.799 can and will fail, 00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:10.259 where we cannot 00:35:10.259 --> 00:35:11.119 save ourselves 00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:11.659 from the trouble 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.380 of our lives, 00:35:12.739 --> 00:35:13.659 God alone 00:35:13.659 --> 00:35:14.539 is our true 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.940 and lasting security. 00:35:16.739 --> 00:35:17.480 Whether you are 00:35:17.480 --> 00:35:17.920 a believer 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:18.739 who needs to remember 00:35:18.739 --> 00:35:19.279 this truth, 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.480 or you are someone 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:21.679 seeking stability 00:35:21.679 --> 00:35:23.119 in an unstable world, 00:35:23.199 --> 00:35:24.480 the message of Psalm 46 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:25.279 is the same. 00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:26.679 Turn to God, 00:35:26.679 --> 00:35:27.779 our refuge 00:35:27.780 --> 00:35:28.700 and strength. 00:35:29.420 --> 00:35:29.940 In Him 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:30.600 you will find 00:35:30.600 --> 00:35:31.040 the peace 00:35:31.040 --> 00:35:31.600 that the world 00:35:31.600 --> 00:35:32.240 cannot give, 00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:32.880 a peace 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:33.640 that is deep, 00:35:34.360 --> 00:35:34.760 abiding, 00:35:35.260 --> 00:35:36.300 and eternally secure. 00:35:37.060 --> 00:35:37.860 Let us pray. 00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:45.380 Father, 00:35:46.120 --> 00:35:47.300 we come before You 00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:48.240 with grateful hearts 00:35:48.240 --> 00:35:48.780 for the truth 00:35:48.780 --> 00:35:49.580 You've spoken to us 00:35:49.580 --> 00:35:51.820 through Psalm 46. 00:35:53.100 --> 00:35:53.600 Lord, 00:35:53.660 --> 00:35:54.519 You are a refuge 00:35:54.519 --> 00:35:55.240 and strength. 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:56.340 You are an ever-present 00:35:56.340 --> 00:35:57.200 help in trouble. 00:35:57.780 --> 00:35:59.040 We ask that You 00:35:59.040 --> 00:36:00.160 would plant this truth 00:36:00.160 --> 00:36:01.500 deep in our hearts today. 00:36:02.200 --> 00:36:02.820 In a world 00:36:02.820 --> 00:36:03.760 that often feels 00:36:03.760 --> 00:36:04.960 chaotic and overwhelming, 00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:06.500 help us be still 00:36:06.500 --> 00:36:07.680 and know that You are God. 00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:09.900 Teach us to rely on You 00:36:09.900 --> 00:36:10.580 as our fortress, 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:12.040 to find our peace 00:36:12.040 --> 00:36:12.640 and security 00:36:12.640 --> 00:36:14.240 in Your unshakable presence. 00:36:15.080 --> 00:36:16.000 For those of us 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:16.820 who are struggling 00:36:16.820 --> 00:36:17.519 with anxiety, 00:36:17.780 --> 00:36:18.140 fear, 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:19.120 or uncertainty, 00:36:20.060 --> 00:36:20.780 remind us 00:36:20.780 --> 00:36:21.900 that You are with us 00:36:21.900 --> 00:36:22.900 and that Your presence 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:23.700 is the source 00:36:23.700 --> 00:36:24.420 of our stability. 00:36:25.220 --> 00:36:26.320 Help us to trust 00:36:26.320 --> 00:36:27.220 in Your sovereignty 00:36:27.219 --> 00:36:28.139 over all things 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.959 and to rest 00:36:28.959 --> 00:36:29.599 in the peace 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.859 that only You can give. 00:36:31.839 --> 00:36:32.059 Lord, 00:36:32.119 --> 00:36:33.199 we pray that as we 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:33.939 leave this place, 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:35.079 we will carry this truth 00:36:35.079 --> 00:36:35.619 with us, 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:36.599 living each day 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.559 confidently that You 00:36:37.559 --> 00:36:38.259 are our true 00:36:38.259 --> 00:36:39.279 and lasting security. 00:36:40.139 --> 00:36:40.719 May our lives 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:42.099 reflect this trust in You 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:43.639 and may we be witnesses 00:36:43.639 --> 00:36:44.439 of Your peace 00:36:44.439 --> 00:36:45.859 to a world in need. 00:36:46.279 --> 00:36:47.199 In the powerful name 00:36:47.199 --> 00:36:47.599 of Jesus, 00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:48.299 we all pray. 00:36:48.859 --> 00:36:49.199 Amen. 00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:49.339 Amen. 00:36:49.339 --> 00:36:49.399 Amen. 00:36:49.399 --> 00:36:49.419 Amen. 00:36:49.419 --> 00:36:49.459 Amen. 00:36:49.459 --> 00:36:49.480 Amen. 00:36:49.480 --> 00:36:51.399 Amen. 00:36:51.399 --> 00:36:51.419 Amen. 00:36:51.419 --> 00:36:51.459 Amen. 00:36:51.459 --> 00:36:53.339 Amen. 00:36:53.339 --> 00:36:53.459 Amen. 00:36:53.459 --> 00:36:53.519 Amen. 00:36:53.519 --> 00:36:53.539 Amen. 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:57.199 Amen.