by Dr. Potter’s wonderful wife, Jennifer
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Ps. 46: 1-3 ESV)
These are mighty images of great cataclysm and overwhelming turmoil. This is the kind of destruction over which mankind is powerless. Yet we are told NOT to fear.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
He utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Ps. 46: 4-7 ESV)
Again, we get imagery of massive breakdown of order. This time it is social order, but in the midst of this, God remains our fortress.
“Come behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.”
‘Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Ps 46:80-10 ESV)
Now we see that the Lord himself, our helper, has caused all of these disruptions yet at the same time He is bringing all these disruptions to a blessed end. Finally, the Lord himself commands us to “Be still and know that I am God” Verse 10.
Our Helper is mighty and though the earth give way beneath our feet our fortress is sure. Sometimes it is just good to meditate on the strength and surety of our God in the midst of life’s uncertainty and tragedy. The lemons cannot overcome our helper.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
