Even When . . . 

“God is our refuge and strength,
An ever present Help in times of trouble.
That is why we are not afraid
Even when . . . “
Psalm 46:1-2…

  Our Refuge . . . a safe place, a shelter, a top priority in the heart of anyone in danger,

the singular focus of a heart full of fear.

Our Help . . . . . .the uppermost thoughts of a person who has found a refuge, and 

                           desperately wants to see the “trouble” fixed.

I don’t know anyone who has not had a Moment in life that caused a fear and panic in their mind and heart.  It’s a  part of the realities  in a fallen world. . . a world that globally lives with God’s Presence not in the forefront of their consciousness.  In the midst of our troubles, we tend to try to fix them as soon as possible.  We come up with ideas. . . we try to change situations . . . we try to ignore a problem . . . we lash out at the perceived “cause” of the trouble . . . and on and on.

David, the writer of this Psalm, certainly experienced that longing for safety and help.  He faced many, often extreme dangers throughout his life.  Physical, emotional, mental, and relational realities over which he had little to no control were frequently part of his experience.  But, from the time he was a young boy, responsible for his daddy’s flocks of sheep, he learned where to turn for help.  He learned To Whom he could turn, no matter what fears he encountered.  His early real-life “even when’s” were often wild predators of his sheep. His flock’s needs for food, water, and safety were constant.   His defenseless (and not very bright) wooly charges, as well as his own emotional, physical, and psychological well-being as he shouldered his responsibilities must have been quite overwhelming for young David.

When we humans initially encounter danger,  whether real or percieved, we tend to head for safety. . . escape.  Fear is often the first emotion. . . we don’t choose or think about it.  It’s simply there. . . a human instinct meant to help us survive.  But we all know that even good things can trip us up when we forget God’s abiding Presence in our hearts and minds.

One of our best reminders of that Truth are the “even when’s” along our paths.  

May the “even when” become the solid stepping-stones along your Journey . . . Home.

Order Janet’s book, Not Forgotten, Stories of a Refugee People on Amazon