In the midst of all the 'noise' surrounding the current Covid 19 pandemic in which we find ourselves, it is so easy to feel overwhelmed and pressed in on every side with more statistics of doom and gloom.

It is in times like this, I believe it is vital for our spiritual, emotional and physical health to remind ourselves of the awesome power and protection Jesus provides for those who call on His Name.

Certainly a favourite Psalm of mine is Psalm 46.  It begins with a powerful declaration "GOD is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble." Just ponder this statement for a moment.  The God of all the heavens and earth is our refuge and strength.  This declaration in itself is enough to dispel all fear as we let it sink into our soul.  The original word for refuge here means, fortress, shelter, a place of trust, a shelter from the storm.

V2 goes on to say "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea..."  In other words no matter how bad things look or even become in our lives we have no need to fear BECAUSE God Himself is our refuge and strength.  Where else can we turn for strength, hope and a way through the current circumstances but God alone.  He is our fortress, shelter and place of trust.

We are very grateful for those who have responsibility for making decisions affecting the lives of millions of people, and for a robust health system in our country, however at the end of the day governments, health officials and our leaders cannot provide refuge and strength - that alone can come from heaven.

We are further encouraged in v7 "The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah"

The writers would have us pause at this point - 'Selah' means to pause & most likely a musical term.  However, as we pause at this point we can again ponder the magnitude of this phrase.  THE LORD OF HOSTS IS WITH US!  Hallelujah - THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE. 

We could ask the question "Whom then shall I fear?" Matt Redman poses in his song "Lord you never let go."

Possibly more than ever before in our lifetime, v10 of this magnificent Psalm takes on new significance.

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (emphasis added).

It is a fact of life what we feed grows and what we starve dies.  If we are feeding our spirits a steady diet of the daily (or hourly) news cycle going over and over the latest figures and forecasts of economic doom, unemployment figures, stock markets crashing and so on, is it any wonder we can become fearful or downcast?

I'm not saying we shouldn't keep up to date with the relevant facts relating to the corona virus crisis however, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with the barrage of information.  There comes a time to switch off all the media channels be they television, radio, internet or social media and to be STILL and know that He is God.

The word here "know" means to know by experience and I would suggest unless we become still, and silence all the other voices, we can not experientially 'know' God is still in charge and has a mighty plan to bring us all through this crisis into a new season of life, hope, joy and everything else that is wonderful in HIs mighty kingdom.

There are so many experts out there at the moment many of whom are giving vastly different opinions on the way ahead - so confusing for us but at the end of the day let me remind you again of the last verse of this fantastic Psalm...

"THE LORD ALMIGHTY IS WITH US; THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE." 

May you know the peace which passes understanding only Jesus can provide!