The psalmist states very clearly that God is with us and He is our refuge. He is the one we cling to during the storms of life. He shelters and provides that place of solace and refuge, yes, in the midst of the storm.
In verse 8, the psalmist invites us to come and behold the works of the LORD. The Hebrew word translated "behold" is chazah, which means to gaze, perceive, and contemplate. "The works of the LORD" are "all acts of God in the history of salvation: Exodus, Conquest, the period of the judges, and the monarchy. The recitation of the mighty acts of God plants deep in the memory of God's people the evidences of His care, protection, and providential rule." (VanGemeren, Expositor's Commentary)
In our moments of trial and fear, we develop spiritual amnesia and forget the power of God. He will judge this earth, and He will prevail. He will do away with wars, and strivings will indeed cease. God invites us in our times of affliction and difficulty to behold His works. It is most therapeutic to do so, as it helps us get our eyes off our problems and on God, who alone can help us.
If you are like me, then you know what spiritual amnesia is. In the midst of the hurt, my focus immediately goes to the problem or the pain, and not to the God who saves and delivers. The reaction I am striving to have is, at the onset of whatever trial or temptation I face, to first and foremost go to God and call out to Him, remembering His faithfulness and His promises. He has always come through, so what makes us think He will not this time?
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