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Sunday Message for the Bilingual Brethren - 17 January 2021 : "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble"

Text: Psalm 46
17 January 2021

Introduction

1. Challenges of life

a. They can affect anyone, even believers
b. They can cause us to fear

2. Turning to God when we fear

a. It is the best and wisest thing to do
b. It should be a most natural response for all who believe in Him
c. Psalm 46 teaches us how we can turn to God and trust in Him

A God whom we can turn to when we fear

1. A wonderful proclamation about God   (Psalm 46:1)

a. God is our refuge
We can turn to Him for protection and safety
b. God is our strength
We can turn to Him when we feel weak and helpless
c. God is a very present help in trouble
We can turn to Him anytime we need His help

2. When we are able to exercise faith in God

a. Fear would not overwhelm us   (Psalm 46:2)
b. Even if there are natural calamities   (Psalm 46:3)

How God wonderfully helps us

1. His Presence

a. Likened to a life-giving river that brings gladness   (Psalm 46:4)
b. Because He is with us, we will not be moved   (Psalm 46:5a)
c. He is there to help even in the darkest of moments   (Psalm 46:5b)

2. His Power

a. The things of the earth are nothing before Him   (Psalm 46:6)
b. His powerful works are proven and known   (Psalm 46:8-9)

The challenge to trust in God

1. The human heart

a. It is not able to escape the problem of feeling troubled
b. God knows how weak we are
c. He gives us an added word of encouragement

2. God’s encouragement to us

a. “Be still”   (Psalm 46:10a)
To practice being still and calm in heart and mind
b. “And know that I am God”   (Psalm 46:10b)
To know God in a deep and intimate way that defeats fear
c. “I will be exalted”   (Psalm 46:10c)
To believe that He will ultimately be exalted over all things

The confidence that comes when we turn to God and trust in Him

1. The LORD of hosts is with us   (Psalm 46:7a, 11a)

a. The Commander of mighty angels is with us
b. In all the challenges that we face in life

2. The God of Jacob is our refuge   (Psalm 46:7b, 11b)

a. God protected and provided for Jacob when he was alone and helpless
b. The same God of Jacob is also our refuge

Encouragement to us all

1. To know that God is our refuge, strength, and a very present help in trouble

2. To always turn to God in prayer whenever we fear

3. To learn to trust in Him when we pray

4. May there be full confidence in God no matter what challenges we face!