July 5, 2024

Where Do You Turn in Times of Trouble?

Psalm 46

Carolyn Walker
Friday's Devo

July 5, 2024

Friday's Devo

July 5, 2024

Friday's Devo

July 5, 2024

Friday's Devo

July 5, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. 1 46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term A Song.

1  God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present 2 46:1 Or well proved help in trouble.
2  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3  though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6  The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7  The LORD of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8  Come, behold the works of the LORD,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10  “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 of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Footnotes

[1] 46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 46:1 Or well proved
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 46:1–7 The people of God are secure, even in chaotic times, because God is their refuge and strength (v. 1). God has chosen Zion to be his holy habitation (the place of his sanctuary, where his people meet him in worship, v. 4). Though the mountains be moved (v. 2), Zion shall not be moved (v. 5).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 46. The psalm is a hymn celebrating Zion as the special city. God has pledged himself to her, and through her he will bless the world. The psalm has two stanzas, marked by a refrain (vv. 7, 11).

Ps. 46:8–11 Since be still, and know that I am God is plural, readers should imagine God speaking these words to the nations. This will be the means by which he makes wars cease. The LORD of hosts is with us. He will ensure that the mission of Gen. 12:1–3 is accomplished.

S3:131 Psalm 46

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 46

There have been many days in my life that I am certain I am where the Lord told me to be, but the situation feels completely impossible. I'll give you an example: When my husband and I left the security of full-time work and benefits and cashed out our 401(k) in 2009 to start OurCalling, a nonprofit ministry for unsheltered homeless people in Dallas, people thought we were crazy. I even questioned our sanity at times. Did we really hear God correctly? How were we supposed to raise our four children in all this, let alone keep our marriage intact? I often thought things were too hard, too much, too painful, too lonely, and on and on. But I've also seen too much. God has proven His faithfulness, time and time again in my life.

Psalm 46 reminds me that the "impossible" is exactly where God likes to work. I am weak, but God is a fortress and refuge of strength. I am needy, but God is my ever-present help. I am scared and fearful of a situation and circumstance, but God gently reminds me that He is with me and is my fortress (Psalm 46:7, 11). Throughout Scripture we are reminded to trust Him, abide in Him, and follow Him (Isaiah 41:10; John 15:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Isaiah 12:2; and Psalm 56:3).

I think of a refuge or fortress as being something fixed in a set location, but the Lord, my fortress, is with me all the way. His presence is always with me. What incredible peace and joy that gives me!

There is an old hymn (written originally by Fanny Crosby and sung by the late Rich Mullins) that beautifully describes what I want my life to look like as I daily walk with God:

All of the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His faithful mercies
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heavenly Peace, divinest Comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell.
For I know whatever fall me
Jesus doeth all things well.

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. Is there anything you feel God prompting you to do that seems impossible? What is keeping you from trusting Him and obeying?

2. Have you taken time to look back on your life and marvel at God's faithfulness? If you haven't, I strongly suggest you do. And write it all down. Use examples from your past to encourage yourself to trust Him in your present circumstances.

3. Have you ever shared your testimony of God's faithfulness in your life with others? Not only does it encourage others, it builds muscle memory to trust God first instead of doubt.

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

This Psalm inspired “a might fortress is our God” . Perhaps unexpected , by title some feel this song for high voices (one translation of ACCORDING TO ALAMOTH). The chorus sings a song of protection and provision could be like the women chorus singing after the wedding, the love song of Psalm 45. Whether high voices with a women chorus or group of tenors or not, the Sons of Korah wrote a song about not just the temple, but the care and protection of the city the temple is in and also unexpectedly how God will be glorified in the whole world. Despite the worse natural disasters, despite unfriendly enemies God is near and a very real help in time of trouble. Even Gods voice melting the land opposing enemies and acting out judgement. Peace in Zion contrasted with chaos. A river versus a roaring sea. The nations totter. Zion cannot be moved. There is no natural river in Jerusalem. There is an unseen river making the city glad. An odd apparent contradiction. Psalm 46:4-5: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; Geographically no river. Zion even related to the word for thirst so. Michael Reeves calls it Mount Drought. Zion is good but we thirst for more. Some have said the river is Hezekiah’s tunnel. But I lean toward it bein God’s unseen care and provision. The emphasis is on works of God not Man with statements like “be still and know that I am God. “, where “Be still and know that I am God” does not rule out disciplines of grace like prayer study communion fellowship or singing scripture. God will bring peace in the process glorify himself. God is a refuge but also a judge Peace going to the ends of the earth. God’s glory going to and reaching the ends of the earth, a theme of book 2. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, by I will be exalted in the earth!”
GJ

greg jones

God is our refuge and strength,     a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,     though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,     though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah Psalm 46:1-3 As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground under them was split apart. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, along with their households—everyone who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they with all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol; the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. All Israel around them fled at their outcry, for they said, “The earth will swallow us, too!” Numbers 16:31-34 In Korah’s revolt it seems as though he felt what God had called him and his followers to was beneath them. They were in need of a heart change. This psalm is a much prettier picture of them than the one we get from the Numbers narrative. The psalm seems to reflect the heart change. Good morning Carolyn. I can imagine that it must have seemed as if the earth was caving in around you at times as you started your nonprofit. So this resonated with me from your Deeper Dive. “I think of a refuge or fortress as being something fixed in a set location, but the Lord, my fortress, is with me all the way. His presence is always with me.” I don’t think of a tent as being fixed, or having thresholds, but God’s presence, thresholds, homelessness, tents…, those things combined made me think of your work as sort of a 21st century version of a Chronicles narrative. Returning to Jerusalem from exile 1 Chronicles 9:19 mentions the Korahites and the work they do. Seeing the work you do and the thresholds you help people step over I can’t think of a more appropriate psalm for you to cover. Thank you for modeling service.
SF

Shawn Foster

Thank you so much Carolyn. You and Wayne are on my Mount Rushmore in the hall of Faith. I am very grateful for your example. And both of your devotionals are powerful. I do marvel at God’s proven track record. My community group might even get tired of hearing about my 30 year old prayer journal. Glad it is not about me, but his mercies that are new every morning! Lamentations 3:23. Yes, I have shared my testimony & love doing it. At the same time, I want to puts some legs under it by serving. My walk must match my talk, as you do so well. May God bless the Walkers! I’m very glad we are on this journey reading the Bible together. Thanks again!
SB

Sue Bohlin

LOVE your testimony of trusting God in the impossible, Carolyn! Bless you! Verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God," has been one of my favorite verses forever. Some years ago I calligraphed a "very loose translation" of it that reads, "Shut up and know that I am God" that I gave to friends with a sense of humor. But this morning I made a discovery about the Hebrew verb "be still" or "cease striving" as some translations have it. It originally comes from a word meaning "to slacken," so there's a word picture of holding a rope tightly, then you relax your grip and stop pulling. That speaks to me about releasing the pressure of maintaining or striving, and relaxing into the Lord's care. As God says, "I am God," my heart hears, "Your Daddy's here. I've got you sweetheart. Relax and trust Me."
AL

Amy Lowther

1. No, because I have read the Bible and learned about God’s character. The information I have learned about God and applied in daily life helps me understand God and know His expectations take time, effort, and are possible. 2. Yes. It helps me be responsible for what I have done and what I haven’t done. 3. Yes. It helps me note how true and obedient I am to God and what I need to work on in my relationship with God. Carolyn - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your honesty in saying, “When my husband and I left the security of full-time work and benefits and cashed out our 401(k) in 2009 to start OurCalling, a nonprofit ministry for unsheltered homeless people in Dallas, people thought we were crazy. I even questioned our sanity at times. Did we really hear God correctly? How were we supposed to raise our four children in all this, let alone keep our marriage intact? I often thought things were too hard, too much, too painful, too lonely, and on and on. But I've also seen too much. God has proven His faithfulness, time and time again in my life”. God is good.