Not doubt these are troubling times. Wars continue to plague us. Economic disaster appears imminent. Jobs are insecure. The housing market is tanking. Credit is hard to come by. The uncertainty of a presidential election. Medicare is in trouble. Social Security is headed for bankruptcy. The stock market is on life support. Banks are failing. Foreclosures are at an all time high. Global warming is threating our environment. Natural disasters are wreaking havoc everywhere. There's general unrest throughout the world. Terrorism remains a real threat.
It's no wonder many have a sense of anxiety. We are crying out for peace and security and things to be calm again in our lives. The basis of our anxiety is our perception of the circumstances which surround us. Things appear out of control which creates the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty.
When we base our feelings on the circumstances around us, we place ourselves in risky hands. As long as things go smooth, we're fine. But when things get a little out of kilter, the nervousness and anxiety begins to creep in and ultimately takes over.
The psalmist suggests that if we want to feel secure no matter the circumstances that arise around us, we should put our trust in God. The Bible uses terms like "refuge" and "fortress" to describe God's protection and solace. It's turning complete control over to Him of all aspects of our lives. Since we live in a society that promotes individualism and personal achievement, surrendering that complete control is a huge challenge for most of us. We're are good at saying it, just not good at doing it.
Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High sounds really cool, actually doing it is another story. We are so used to trusting in ourselves or the government or our employer or our wealth that it's hard to let go. Unfortunately all those things falter and eventually pass. Our skill and ability and health fades. Governments eventually fall. Wealth slips away. Employers shut their doors. But God remains steadfast.
Read these psalms again. Capture the essence of God's secure eternal nature and His readiness to cover us with His protective presence. Reflect on His power and awesome love. Choose then where you want to dwell, in the turmoil and pressure of the world or in the shelter of His presence.
God, I live most of my life wrestling with things over which I have no power. I often find myself in internal tension and worrying about things I can't change or impact. I struggle needlessly with the world and the things of this world resting in my own ability, ingenuity or strength. I'm worn out. My blood pressure is too high. It's sometimes hard to sleep. Cover me with your wings. I want to dwell in you. Teach me to number my days aright.
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