It is indeed a blessing to be able to focus on God and His ways during times of change and unexpected events. The book of Judges begins with Joshua having died. To their credit, Israel looked to God for direction. Looking to Him on a personal level also brings direction and blessings in our lives. The book of Psalms encourages us with beautiful words of praise for God. It also records for us the heart-felt reality of living in an world that does not have God at its center and reveals the cries of the psalmists to God. Their hearts are revealed for our benefit and they direct our thoughts to the splendor and glory of God and the victories we can experience in trying situations.
"There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God"--so goes an old hymn. Psalm 48, in our daily reading echoes these thoughts. "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth" (verses 1-2). In acceptance of Christ as our Savior, our lives change forever and we are privileged to enter the Holy of Holies--the inner sanctuary, the place near to the heart of God. The elevation of this higher plain is experienced personally according to our measure of faith. Here, beauty is surely in the eye of the beholder and we enter "the secret place of the Most High", where He covers us with the feathers of His wings.
These are more than beautiful images and are ours in times of distress as we turn to God as our refuge and source of strength in times of trouble. We are told in Joshua 2:18, that God is moved by pity by our groanings. In times of suffering, it is a blessing to already have in place an established spiritual relationship with God. Yet, we are assured that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. When we humble ourselves in recognition of our sins and our weaknesses of the flesh, God says He will exalt us. These matters are based on the principles of reaping what is sown. When Israel served God--they were blessed, when they forsook God, He was not there for them.
May we choose this higher plane--this beautiful place of elevation, and draw near to the God of the Bible that we may experience His very present help in times of trouble. "Be still" each morning and savor knowing that He is God. This Bible study is a tool that can help take you there. May you have a blessed day because you know God--regardless of your circumstances.
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