In Time of Need
God's presence is our refuge and strength, bringing us peace and joy in times of turmoil and chaos.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound promise found in Psalms 46, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength, always present in times of trouble. He reassures us that despite the chaos and fear surrounding us, we can find peace and joy through God's unwavering presence. Wilkerson highlights that God is with His people, providing help and guidance, and encourages believers to reject fear and despair. The sermon calls for a deep understanding of God's availability and the comfort of the Holy Spirit in our lives, especially during tumultuous times.
Text
Consider one of the most powerful promises in all of God's Word:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the sea; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.... There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.... He maketh wars to cease" (Psalm 46:1-7, 9).
What a marvelous word. I've read this passage over and over, dozens of times, and I'm still overwhelmed by it. God's Word to us here is so powerful, so immovable, he tells us, "Never again do you need to fear. It doesn't matter if the whole world is in turmoil. The earth may quake, the oceans may swell, the mountains may crumble into the sea. Things may be in complete chaos, a total uproar all around you.
"But because of my Word, you'll have peace like a river. While all the nations rage, powerful steams of joy will flow to my people. It will fill their hearts with gladness."
Right now, the whole world is in a fearful time. Nations are trembling over terrorism, knowing no region is immune to the threats. Personal troubles and sufferings are mounting. Yet, in the midst of it all, Psalm 46 echoes to God's people the world over: "I am in your midst. I am with you through it all. My people will not be destroyed or moved. I'm going to be an ever-present help to my church."
God knows we all face deep needs; we all encounter turmoil, temptations, times of confusion that cause our souls to quake. His message for us in Psalm 46 is meant for just such times. He is saying that if we give in to fear, becoming downcast and full of despair, we're living absolutely contrary to his reality in our lives.
It's vital that you grasp what the Lord is telling us in this Psalm. Our God is available to us at any time, day or night. He's continually at our right hand, willing to speak to us and to guide us. And he's made this possible by giving us his Holy Spirit to abide in us. The Bible tells us that Christ himself is in us, and we are in him.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Presence in Times of Need
- A. God is our refuge and strength
- B. God is a very present help in trouble
- C. God's presence brings peace and joy
- II. The World's Turmoil vs. God's Peace
- A. The earth may quake, but God's peace remains
- B. The nations may rage, but God's people will not be moved
- III. God's Message for Us in Psalm 46
- A. God is with us through all troubles and temptations
- B. God's presence is an ever-present help to his church
Key Quotes
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — David Wilkerson
“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.” — David Wilkerson
“He maketh wars to cease” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should not give in to fear, but instead trust in God's presence and promise to be with us always.
- We can have peace in a world filled with turmoil because of God's Word and his presence in our lives.
- We should seek guidance and protection from God through his Holy Spirit and his Word.