As a younger believer, at times I would subconsciously avoid reading Scripture that suggested that life may not always be smooth, effortless and trouble-free. The older I get, the more I've appreciated reading how God provides the sheltering strength that successfully leads us through difficult situations.

  In this regard, a verse of great comfort to me has always been Psalm 46:10a, "Be still [cease our efforts] and know that I am God..." Reading the whole psalm adds richness to the meaning of verse ten. Verse one begins by telling us what God does for us when we are in trouble and are tempted to fear.

  Psalm 46:1 God /s our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah,

  Sometimes it seems that our lives are falling out from under us, that the typically quiet seas of our lives are a deafening roar, and that the mountain peaks of our lives are violently quaking. Yet, amidst it all, God is our refuge, strength and ever-present helper.

  This psalm tells us in three verses that God is "our refuge." Psalm 46:1, "God is owrefuge and strength..." And, 46:7 & 11,".. .the God of Jacob is our refuge."

  In verse one the Hebrew word used refers to "a shelter to which we flee." In verses 7 and 11, it is a different Hebrew term that refers to a refuge that is "a high tower or fortress that is an inaccessible and impregnable place." Oh, how often we need not only a shelter to flee to, but a high place where His protection is secure and unreachable from our enemy's reach! God, take my heart and life to the protection of your higher ground!

  Each of these three verses that promises His sheltering protection (refuge) also promises His presence. Verse one tells us that He is "very present [found near]" and verses 7 and 11 (which share identical wording) promise that Jehovah of hosts [mighty armies] is with us. Isn't it great to have the God of mighty heavenly armies [hosts] on our side in all of life's battles! So, Psalm 46 teaches us that in the high sheltering refuge that God has provided for us, He will magnify and energize His presence and strength to us. That's the place where we
can "be still [cease our efforts] and know that He is God." When we are "still" in Him, then we "know."

  Even amidst the challenges and difficulties during our walk in this world, Jesus also left a promise that his yoke is one of rest and relief. It still holds true.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)
²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I Will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in
heart, and you wilt find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
³⁰ For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good-not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

No matter what we are faced with during our life-journey, as we rest in the protection and presence of His high tower, let us courageously proclaim, 'Therefore, we will not fear..." Psalm 46:2a (NIV).

Resting in His Care,