OUR REFUGE

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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There is a lot of uncertainty all around us in the world today. Individuals, families, and whole nations are experiencing times of uncertainty and potential hostility. All of this leads us into a massive amount of stress and fear. So, how can the child of God respond to these challenging times? We can turn to the message of scripture and listen to how God’s people have turned toward the Lord in times of peril and hardship. 

Today, we are going to listen to the following passage taken from the book of Psalms. 

If you are able, consider reading this message aloud; it will make a difference. 

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 

7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

(Psalms 46:1-11 NIV11)

Reflections

While this Psalm is worth reading on its own and can clearly convey the heart of the Lord toward his people, I would like to reflect on a few key images and ideas presented in this passage. 

Refuge

God is our refuge. What is a refuge? It is a place of shelter and safety in the midst of storms, wars, and danger. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He is present with those who face trial and hardship in ways that others cannot understand. 

When we have fear and uncertainty, we should turn toward the Lord, not away. Run into his arms and face whatever is to come with the Lord as your shelter. 

Heavenly Home 

In verse four, we are given this image of the city of God, fed by a stream of blessing and goodness. It is in this place of rest and beauty that the Lord dwells. This is a glimpse of our heavenly home. 

It is not morbid or fatalistic to reflect on the gift of heaven that awaits those in Christ when this life is over. Reflecting on our true home in heaven brings us hope while we face fear and pain in this life. The Lord will welcome you into his presence for eternity when the time is right. This is a comfort and a gift to all facing hardship today. 

Uproar

In verse six, we heard, “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.” The nations are indeed in uproar. What we experience today is significant and real, but it is not new. 

As we look back at how the Lord has shepherded his children through the ups and downs of human aggression, we can see that nothing has or can diminish the will of God to accomplish what he chooses on this earth. When we entrust ourselves into his hands, we can trust that he will hold us close no matter what might come. 

Be still

In verse ten, we heard, “Be still, and know that I am God”. Honestly, what more can we do? 

We can rage against the fallen world that leads to war, conflict, suffering, and deprivation, but all of our anger will not change the fact that this is not now, nor will it ever be heaven. 

If you want to do something about all the uncertainty you face today, take the advice of the Lord. Stop all of your noise and be still. 

•  Be still and be sure that God is near. 
•  Be still and give thanks that you belong to the Lord. 
•  Be still and be loved by God. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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