Dr. Alan Cole begins with a humorous story about a snowball fight between fifth and sixth graders, then transitions to discuss how we face avalanches of homework, responsibilities, and struggles that can feel overwhelming like being hit by snowballs or crushed by closing walls.
Scripture Text
Psalm 46
Main Points or Ideas
- God's Sovereignty Over Catastrophic Events (verses 1-3) - God is our refuge, strength, and very present help in trouble. Even when the earth gives way, mountains slip into the sea, and waters roar and foam, we have a divine fortress in God who provides protection, power, and presence.
- God's Sovereignty Over Threatening Enemies (verses 4-7) - There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. Unlike the raging waves of the sea, this is a quiet river within the city providing security. God is in the midst of the city, so it shall not be moved. God works in quiet ways as well as mighty ways to provide for us.
- God's Sovereignty Displayed in His Mighty Acts (verses 8-11) - We need to behold with perception the works of the Lord and reflect on what God has done. He breaks bows, shatters spears, and burns chariots. The command is "be still and know that I am God" - cause yourself to relax and calm down because God's got this.
Conclusion
When facing trials and fears, we need to run and hide in the mighty fortress of our God, remembering what He has done in the past, reflecting on His trophies of grace in our lives, and trusting Him to either remove problems or give us grace to endure them.
