He Sees You and That is All That Matters

Psalm 46:1 states: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (NKJV).

This powerful expression was the theme of Martin Luther in which he based his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The Psalm is a wonderful testament to God’s love and provision.

“Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child” (unknown source).

Fear is real. All of us remember the devastation of hurricane Katrina. No one was prepared for the massive destruction that took place. We have seen the effects of natural disasters. The Psalmist reminds us that even though the “earth be moved” and the waters “roar” (verse 2, 3) there should be no fear because of the amazing stability of God. I don’t believe God causes such storms as much as He allows such to happen to allow us to discover true refuge in God’s unchanging nature.

Not all storms, however, are natural disasters. Fear can be found in troubled homes, at school, work, or even church. Such fear can paralyze us mentally and emotionally. Regardless of the source of the turmoil we discover great news from the psalmist in verse 7. “The Lord of hosts is with us!” This declaration is one of victory over all fear. The One who created everything will overcome all evil and destruction. Sometimes we just need to recognize our Source of deliverance. This is what it means to take a “leap of faith.”

One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “Daddy, I can’t see you.” The father replied, “But I can see you and that’s all that matters.” (Sermon Illustrations, Donner Atwood, contributor).

Faith is knowing that the “Lord is with us.” He sees you and cares for you. The fears we experience are real, but the source of our deliverance is always there. When the fear of violence, divorce, racism, loneliness, or some other threat clouds your view, remember that our Refuge—the Lord, is with you. He is ready to catch you if you will take a leap of faith. He sees you and that’s all that matters.

Application:

In what ways have you personally seen God’s hand in the midst of a storm?Do you know of someone going through a storm in which to share your story of deliverance?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,You are Creator and Redeemer. As Creator you are in control of nature and all issues of life. As Redeemer, you have saved me. I am now part of your family. When struggles, fear, or even disaster befalls me, I will trust my Heavenly Father. May my response to the storm only serve to bring glory to You. May I always remember that there is no crisis so great as to take me from your love and care. Thank you for being my refuge and deliverer. Amen