This is another psalm that reminds us of the steady presence of God in our world. No matter what happens, God is there in the midst of it. Whether the problem is a national or international disaster, or a personal tragedy, God is with us.
Today, I was watching the news and another hurricane had caused damage, and a hurricane in another part of the country has caused flooding that has turned deadly. A hurricane of a week or so ago caused so much damage to a country that thousands are missing and presumed to have been swept out to sea.
Where is God? I believe he is weeping with those who are suffering and holding out welcoming arms to those who have died.
When I think of fear, I understand that it is a normal reaction that usually keeps us from getting into danger, or fleeing danger when we encounter it. But there are different kinds of fear.
One is the response to danger, but sometimes people fear the unknown, and instead of getting information, they hide their heads and avoid thinking about what it is that they fear. For example, there are those who fear people whose religion or culture is different from their own, but instead of getting to know others, they avoid them.
When a hurricane or other natural disaster is forecast, some are so afraid they become almost paralyzed while others try to do everything possible to minimize the damage. Those who fear death probably are more afraid of the process of dying than death itself, and yet, they don't always change their unhealthy habits that could bring about the very issues that they fear.
When we truly believe that God IS our refuge and our strength, we take normal precautions, avoid danger when we can, but know that whatever happens, we are safe in the arms of a loving God.
