Psalm 48:1-8

God is great!  He has proven this time and time again throughout the history of the world and His dealings with His chosen people.  Because of His greatness, God is worthy of all honor and praise.  The city of Jerusalem is the focus of this Psalm, not because it is, in itself, such a beautiful or powerful city; but because it is the dwelling place of God, the place where He has revealed Himself and made Himself known.  By His great might He has demonstrated His ability to protect His people from all who would come against them.  It does not matter how big and strong the army is that comes against God’s children.  God’s power is greater than any foe.  We can rest in this truth and use this truth to motivate us to honor and praise the Lord.

THE POWER OF GOD CAUSES HIS ENEMIES TO RETREAT: There are numerous times throughout the history of Israel where enemy nations came out to make war against Israel.  Their campaign may have been successful at first according to the sovereign plan of God.  They were able to advance all the way to the capital city of Jerusalem where the children of Israel were trapped and hopelessly surrounded.  The situation seemed hopeless.  It was just a matter of time until the city would fall and the people destroyed.  But then something amazing happens.  God reveals His power in some miraculous and unexplainable way, the enemy sees the power of God that is protecting Jerusalem and they become terrified.  The soldiers that were once relaxed and just waiting for the victory to fall into their laps are stricken with shear panic.  In the ensuing chaos the powerful army ends up slaughtering itself as it retreats from the power of God.  God may allow us to face some very scary circumstances in our lives.  There may be times where it seems that there is no hope.  However, when those days arrive we can always trust in the power of God.  He is able to change the most difficult circumstances and deliver from the strongest foes.


THE PRESENCE OF GOD CAUSES HIS CHILDREN TO REJOICE: When God’s presence is revealed in the midst of difficult circumstances, the natural result is for us to rejoice in His power and provision.  Once Israel realized that their enemy had retreated without them having to so much as lift a finger; they lifted their voices in praise to the Lord and they were filled with joy.  When we truly see God and experience His presence in our lives, there can really be no other reaction.  God’s work in our lives merits or constant praise and should fill our hearts with abundant and overflowing joy.  When our hearts are full of fear and murmuring and complaints are coming out of our mouths it is evidence that we are not recognizing God’s presence with us.  That is not to say that God will not allow us to face trials that seem hopeless.  The truth is that in the midst of these trials God is always able to deliver us so we need to learn to wait patiently on Him.  We need to trust fully in Him.  We need to rejoice in His power and protection knowing that, no matter what, He is always with us.

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