Ahhh, how comforting to know that the LORD Almighty is with us. Can you feel the power and the peace? No? There are times when we don’t feel it and then there are times our heart is bursting and we are full of His power.
Do you think whether we feel it or not changes the reality of whether God is there or not? For some reason, my mind always goes back to the children of Israel at the foot of the mountain in the wilderness. They KNOW He is there. They have followed fire by night and clouds by day. Yet, Moses goes up on the mountain for just a few days and they turn to building a golden calf.
How could they do that? How can we do this? I believe I do this every day. Although I know God is right here next to me and actually living in me I find it scary how quickly I can turn away and try to do things as if He isn’t there. I try to deal with my issues, think about what I should be doing today and totally turn my back on the ALMIGHTY.
How crazy is that?! Psalm 46:7 is the source of this daily affirmation: The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (NIV)
We have looked up this “Selah” word before and most think this was a “pause”. So let’s pause for a second to read that again. The LORD Almighty is with us. Let that soak in. Are we getting that? Psalm 46 is a very short book in the bible, only 11 verses yet it says so much. Verse 10 of the 46th Psalm is one that most people in the world have heard: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
In verse one we are assured that “…God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (NLT) I also love verse two “Therefore we will not fear,…” (NLT)
So, let’s ask ourselves honestly today. Do we believe the LORD Almighty is really with us; ever present and always ready to help? Do we know it and then turn and live as if He is not? Do we just speak empty words or do we know He is our strength and our refuge and live confidently in Him.
Do our lives and our language reflect this knowledge or are we off building golden calves? God forgive me for when I turn my back on you, I turn to you now and exalt and praise You. You are the LORD Almighty and I know you are with me now and in all times of trouble. Help me to keep my eyes and my faith in you, always.
Do you have any other thoughts or affirmations from Psalm 46? I would love to hear what God speaks to your heart. Do you know He is with you? May we be still and know He is God. Selah.
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Just read yesterday’s affirmation and this one goes hand in hand…if I keep focused on His word I can more easily trust that He’s with me. No matter what.
Amen, thank you Robin. May we live on it as if our lives depend on it…because they do. Thanks!
Thank you, Tom. Sometimes (daily) I start wondering, doubting. This helped me.
Julie, amazing how we can wonder and wander isn’t it?! Let’s hang onto His promises. I am so thankul for you, have a great day!
Son, this is a wonderful insight to this psalm. Two weeks ago it was the focus of our lesson in SS. Think I’ll share this with my class next Sunday. This is a good piece of writing–not too long and very thought-provoking. Thank you. Love, Mother
Wow, thanks mom! Glad you had a chance to chime in! You know I struggle with length so you will crack up that someone on Facebook said they liked my “sermon”…ha! now I know I am toooo long! hahaha
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Nice post, Tom!
Sometimes I
can’t feel You near
but then my fears
they disappear
You were with me all the time
You were with me all the while
Sometimes I
can’t hear Your voice
but then Your song
it proves me wrong
You were speaking all the time
You were speaking all the while
Sometimes I run
sometimes I crawl
at times I’m down, then standing tall
When it’s all
said and done
I know that You’re the One
who’s with me through it all
—————————————–
I’m just sayin’…
Donald in Bethel, CT
As always Donald, a pleasure…what song was that? Are you really killing the commentator? Look forward to how God is guiding you!
Tom,
Song is called “Sometimes” and I wrote it in 2001 with a brother of mine named “Florida” Wayne (Wayne Haines- from the band Lost in Translation).
Yes, I have closed-down A Christian Commentator. I simply have run out of things to really say that need to be heard. (Have you ever talked to a wall? Yeah, it is kinda like that.)
But no worries for me…I have your blog to read and enjoy!
Very nice song…keep writing them! I appreciate your encouragement and know God will continue to guide both of us through His Spirit!
amen tom !
we live by faith not feelings and not by sight. god is with us wether we feel his presence or not !
john from liverpool england
love u all very much.
Wow, John. Strange you should respond today. Earlier today I was thinking I would send you an email to see how your recovery has been going. Have been praying for you. Also, I came across your request for some career affirmations and we can email each other and see where God takes this…I do pray you are well and praise our extrmemely large God who lives inside of our hearts on both sides of the pond!! Love to u as well!
Came back to read over the comments and they are great! Love seeing your mom on here…hugs
Thanks Robin! Yes, that was a first for my mom…she says she doesn’t have time to read my stuff because it is too long! How sad is that that your own mom doesn’t have time…hahahah you think I would learn to shorten…it’s a process but just trying to be faithful to God most of all (without being too prideful or stubborn). Will pray I stay with the what the Spirit leads… Have a great day!
Hi Tom!
I’ve always believed in God, but it’s just been the last couple years that I believe Him. It’s only a two letter-word difference, I know, but oh what a difference it has made to me. And when I don’t read His Word, pray His Word, live His Word, I go right back to that head knowledge…KNOW He is there. And that type of knowledge of God just leaves me roaming around in the desert building my golden calves. I thank Holy Spirit for speaking to me through the Word, in this case through you/your blog. Thank You, Tom. Cindy
Wow Cindy Believe Him. Know Him. So powerful. Many times I catch myself in my head either during prayer or thoughts and am sooooo thankful for the Spirit that draws me in and away from my head. Thank you for sharing this as this was POWERFUL in how just two little letters can change everything!