Psalm 46:5-7

New Living Translation

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
    From the very break of day, God will protect it.
The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,

But and the earth melts!

 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us,

the God of Israel is our fortress.

For Encouragement 

The Different forms and dimensions of crisis afflict people at various times and stages of life. Natural disasters and wars are not the only causes of displacement and loss of hope. Domestic conflicts and deviant behaviors also bring such effects. Other times, our relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and fame could lead us into personal battles too painful to fight.

As Paul says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, [and you can recount the different shades of it] have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). 

The life of Jacob reminds us of unnecessary trials and grief when we stretch ourselves to gain what God has already ordained for us. 

God chose Jacob over Esau to carry the blessing of Abraham after Isaac with its full blessing (Genesis 25:21-23). However, Jacob tricked Esau into selling his birthright to him (29-34). Rebekah, his mother, helped him to deceive Isaac to get the blessing that divinely belonged to him (27:27-29). The battle between the two brothers that began in the womb now manifested, with Esau planning to kill his brother after the death of their father (41). 

Crises have ripple effects on the innocent and could ruin an entire generation if not handled well by the grace of God.

The Patriarch, Isaac’s home was in crises. He convulsed when he realized Jacob had deceived him (33). Rebekah grieved over Esau’s murderous plot against his brother (45-46), and a frightened Jacob was running for his life on a strange road to a place he did not know (28:1-5)

God is merciful. He met Jacob on the road in a dream at Bethel and revealed Himself to him as God Almighty. He blessed and assured him of His ever-presence and continued protection throughout his sojourn (Genesis 28:10-15).

He is faithful to His promises despite our selfish interventions in His plan. Nothing of our egocentrism surprises the Lord. He had chosen Jacob and will not change His mind about him (Numbers 23:19). 

Far from being a license to sin and live carelessly, you can shout hallelujah to this truth and let it release you from your fears and anxieties. Amen!

Now, ask me where hope in crises for the covenant child of God comes from, and I will confidently tell you it comes from the Lord God Almighty alone. Jesus Christ is His exalted name in your life, my friend.

Tired and maybe hungry from his flight, a hopeless Jacob found hope in Christ. No wonder he confessed his ignorance:

“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (16).

Yes, Jacob! God manifests His glory wherever He chooses, just as He chose Jerusalem for His dwelling and protection (Psalm 46:5-7).

Jesus is with you where you stand now and is in your situation to give you hope and assurance of a blessed future ahead. So, shake yourself from the place of ignorance and fear. Trust that the Lord is with you to give you freedom and hope because His Spirit in you (2 Corinthians 3:17).

“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God” (Psalm 146:5).

Shalom