When Trouble Comes

When trouble comes "with the finality of an earthquake" (v.2), "with the fury of a storm" (v.3a), and "with the force of a flood" (v.3b), how do we cope up?

"The second law of spiritual thermodynamics: the greater the heat, the greater the expansion."

I. YOU MUST REALIZE

A. That God is a refuge for His people (v.1)

1. Through His "strength"

2. Through His "very presence"

B. That God is resident among His people (v.5)

1. The God of Purpose - "Most High" v.4

2. The God of Power - "Lord of Hosts" v.7

3. The God of Patience - "God of Jacob" v.7

C. That God sends a river to His people (v.4)

1. A refreshing river - "makes Glad"

2. A reviving river (Ezek. 47:9, John 7:37-39)

II. YOU MUST RESPOND

A. Reflect on what this means

1. God is refuge, therefore...fear is illogical v.2

2. God is resident, therefore...city is immovable v.5

3. God has a river, therefore...Christianity is invincible v.5b

B. Review what God has done (vs. 8-9)

C. Rejoice in what is promises (v.10b)

III. You must relax - "be still" is literally "relax"

A. Resist the natural impulses-"Be still v.10a

B. Restore the spiritual relationship-"and know" v.10b