Daily devotional · February 3
Still in the Storm
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge.Selah There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.Selah Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth. He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.Selah”
This psalm imagines the worst: mountains sliding into the sea, waters roaring, nations in uproar. Yet its center is calm. God is called a refuge and a strength, and there is a river whose streams gladden his city, a quiet image set against all the noise. The psalm ends with an invitation to stop striving and know that he is God. That is not passivity; it is refusing to let panic run our decisions. Some worries are real and need action. But many of the hours we spend rehearsing disasters accomplish nothing. Today, when anxiety rises, pause for one slow minute before reacting. Breathe, name the fear aloud to God, and remind yourself who holds the mountains. If worry feels constant or crushing, please also talk to a doctor, counselor or pastor. Seeking help is a wise way of taking refuge.
Prayer
Lord, be my refuge today. Quiet my racing thoughts and teach me to trust You. Amen.