Psalm 46:2-4

New King James Version

Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the ^[a]midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

For Encouragement

Two events stand out in recent history in my mind to illustrate today’s scripture. In 2004, an earthquake caused a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in Indonesia and other countries. On September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda terrorists crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, taking 2,996 lives.

These two events took the world by surprise and shocked everybody out of their confident comfort. The carnage plunged the world into confusion, highlighting the message of a shared world and grief in every disaster. The main thing that divides us is where and to whom we turn for hope in our convulsed minds.

Empty churches came alive again in the United States and other countries worldwide. People sought comfort and healing for their bruised hearts and answers to life’s purpose.

In 2002, Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church, released his book, The Purpose Driven Life. It became an instant bestseller worldwide against the backdrop of 9/11. The events of that day rudely awoke the sleeping conscience of humankind. They turned to the Gospel message of a Carpenter from Nazareth who died on a wooden cross 2000 years ago to find hope and meaning. (John 3:3, 16). The Gospel never loses its essence and appeals to lost souls, sinners who live in a chaotic world that glitters to deceive and take them to hell (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

Natural disasters and political, social, and religious conflicts continue to shock millions worldwide. People smile and laugh along, but in their hearts, the same nagging feeling of hopelessness torments their souls. They can’t find answers in any of their accomplishments. Hope eludes them like a desert mirage.

The situation must be different for the true believer in Jesus Christ. The sons of Korah knew this truth and penned Psalm 46 to remind and encourage us. Believing in the reality of God and His constant presence, they show bravery in the face of disasters and human wickedness that ruin lives daily. They stand on the Rock of Ages and remain unmoved by earthquakes that result in tsunamis and senseless wars among nations. For, “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High” (4).

If you have the Holy Spirit in you as a witness of your salvation, you can live confidently and find hope in Christ through your crises (John 4:7-24; Romans 8:12-17; Ephesians 1:13-14). That is our confident hope in Christ Jesus (Romans 5: 1-2; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:27).

Maybe you are searching for meaning and hope in your troubled marriage, home, workplace, friendship, or even in fellowship at church; recognize that there is hope for you in Jesus (Romans 5:1-2) as a child of God. Meditate on His promises and allow the Holy Spirit to heal and revive you today.