When Tragedy Strikes Series

Title: When Tragedy Strikes

Theme: How to react when tragedy strikes.

Text: Psalms 46

Link to worldwide school shootings http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777958.html

Introduction

Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 46. This song was written in the context of problems, stress, and uncertainty. The writer’s world was crumbling all around him. This Psalm was written with the nation of Israel in mind, but it certainly applies to us today. In fact, Billy Graham read the first two verses of Psalm 46 at the National Cathedral on Friday. A nation is strong when their trust is in God. The source of our strength cannot be in our government, our economy, our buildings, or anything else that is temporary. We must return to God.

Before we get into the Psalm, let me point out the use of the word “Selah” after verse 3, verse 7, and verse 11. This curious phrase is most likely a musical rest, in which the singers stopped singing and only the instruments were heard. According to one Bible dictionary, this phrase can also signify a musical crescendo that is then followed by silent reflection. It also carries with it the idea of “meditation.” In Psalm 46, we’re called to pause and meditate three different times so that we can comprehend what God is saying to us. For our purposes this morning, we’ll follow this natural outline and pause at these same spots.

FACTS: Since 1996 – 114 Dead & 144 injured in school shootings

His Protection

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (3) Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge (to flee to) and strength, A very present help (he has proved himself to be faithful) in trouble (stress tribulation).

(2) Therefore we will not fear,

2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

We don’t need fear we need faith. Fear never helps us, it only paralyzes us.

Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (worlds worst tragedy)

(3) Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. (waters roar – crowds of people, mountains-protection)

Selah – Meditate on this

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

His Presence

(4) There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. (5) God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. (6) The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. (7) The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

(4) There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. (Jerusalem)

(5) God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. (cities are just regular cities unless the Lord is in it.)

Promise to Israel - De 23:14 "For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.

Ps 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

(6) The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. (7) The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

His Position

(8) Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth. (9) He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. (10) Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah