May 23, 2024 - Psalms 46-50

“To the choirmaster.  Of the Sons of Korah.  According to Alamoth.  A Song.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (46:1-3).  Here in Indonesia, over the last week and a half, the earth has given way (an earthquake) and the mountains have trembled (volcanoes spewing ash and lava).  Indonesia is an absolutely gorgeus place to live but it can be dangerous.  The country sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the earth’s plates come together to produce many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  Of course, there are many places of great danger in our world, today:  places of religious persecution, places ruled by tyrants, great areas where diseases run rampant, cities where crime runs rampant, etc.  In the midst of a fallen and dangerous world, with the sons of Korah, we declare, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

in every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav’nly Friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.   --Kathrina von Schlegel (1752)