Psalm 46
Y2K, Covid 19, and Life in General
It was June 1999 at pastors conference during the question and answer session when this question came up, “What is Calvary Chapel doing to prepare for Y2K?” Pastor Chuck answered with this, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV
I am old enough to remember bomb shelters being built in the backyards of homes in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I remember lining up at the gas stations in order to buy gas on an even number day in the month because the last digit of my license plate was an even number. If the last digit was an odd number you could only buy gas on the date that was an odd number. I also remember the experts were saying, “The earth only has enough oil to last ten years”. That was in the 1970”s
It seems there is always a crisis to worry about but I like how Pastor Chuck changed the focus from the crisis to the Lord. Where do you turn when faced with a crisis that there is little you can do to solve it? Hezekiah was certainly facing a problem that looked like the end was near for Jerusalem when the Assyrians had the city surrounded. He knew he did not have the ability to save the city or the nation, but he knew who did. So he went to the temple and laid out his petition to the Lord.
There are some great promises in this Psalm. These promises are meant to bring hope and to set us free from the anxiety that comes from worry. Isaiah had been prophesying that the Assyrians would one day surround Jerusalem and try to take the city. In one of those prophesies Isaiah also said this. “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have and everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3&4
When times of trial and difficulties come we have the Lord to turn to. He will grant peace when we trust in Him. When we realize this we will no longer be driven by waves of emotions and the ever present and haunting question, “What if?” We will be establish on the Rock by our faith and upon that Rock we will be able to see beyond our fears and focus on hope that only comes from the Lord.
Much of what we worry about never happens. I have given up worrying about Y2K. I am still putting gas in the same truck I was driving when I was waiting in the lines back in the 1970’s. I never had a bomb shelter nor have I ever needed one, but I would like a basement. Maybe I could shelter in place there. It’s not over until God says it’s over. When God says it over I expect to be home with Him and more alive than I have ever been. Until then may this Psalm remind us that God is in control and when we trust in Him there is hope and stability.
Don’t let your emotions drive you to fear when an impossible crisis comes up. Look to the Lord. He will give you hope and stability no matter what happens.
Pastor Dave