God is our Refuge and Strength
Introduction
A wonderful and famous Psalm
We are seeking stability and happiness
What are these things?
The worlds ideas of these things is constantly shifting
Nothing in the world will bring you long-term stability or happiness
Example of Riches
This is why this Psalm is so important
The world is messed up
Examples
God’s Loving Embrace
The earth is battered (v2-3)
The Psalm starts not with this but our confidence in God
This is our dramatic opening
This is a bold opening statement
This shows us that in God we can have stability and happiness
Things that seem stable (e.g. Mountains) can be brought down
Things closer to home too – examples
Are we relying on these things to give us stability and happiness?
Things of the world – will let us down
There is a big hole in our lives where God should be
We try and fill this with all sort of things
However, the things of the world will not fill us
The Bible takes us on the journey of the reality of life
Only God will fit in the God-shaped hole inside of us
He will never leave nor forsake us – He will keep His promises
God is our refuge and strength
Because of this truth we have nothing to fear
A refuge – Example of Hurricane Katrina, air raid shelters and Cardiff Castle
God is a protection and shield
Earthly refuges are temporary – God’s refuge is permanent
God’s protection is forever
To access this refuge – we must come to God
Explanation
To access this protection – we must be in Christ
It is for God’s people
However, we feel like we are our own gods
Explanation
Rom 6:3-5
God is our strength
Example of Chillean Miners – they felt God’s presence
When hard times hit – God is closer by
The Church of God will not fall
We are part of the city of God – v4
The city of God – the Church of God
A river
The streams bring gladness to the city
Water is a lifeline to people and cities
This water is the Holy Spirit
God will not allow His city to be moved – though the reality is that we need to be in Christ
We have the protection of God
God has always protected His Church
God will help
God will be there when we need Him
Without God there is darkness
In God there is light – He is light
God will bring light and hope
The Church will be attacked …
… but It won’t fall
Attacked physically and spiritually
The Church of God will stand
God is our fortress and refuge – v7
No matter what is happening outside – nothing will break through
God is for us
God’s Church will not fall
God is in Complete Control
A change of emphasis
v1-7 – addressed to believers
v8-11 – for believers and unbelievers
v9 – God is in complete control (a picture of victory)
God is our refuge and strength
God will make permanent
Rev
God has complete victory
A startling command – be still and know He is God
This should be our response
We must understand what this means
We live in a noisy world
The things of the world are distracting
We must be quiet and contemplate
Not take ourselves out of the world
We must stop being distracted by the world and come to God
We must become blind to the world and are awareness to God will be enhanced
Whatever our problems – we can have confidence in God
Example
If you are not saved
You have surely seen the signs and wonders of God
Acknowledge what God has done for you
Rev 1:7
Christ will come again
If you are saved
All that we have looked at – is for you
Only God can provide stability – refuge and strength
Closing Remarks