"God is our Refuge and Strength, a Help always near in times of great trouble.  That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart."          ~  Psalm 46:1-2 (CEB).

Presently, we're all mindful of hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, and floods.  On another front, half of the population of America have recently had their personal information stolen by one of the biggest security breaches in history.  Breakouts of disease, violence, and war mirror the spiritual desperation of a generation grasping to validate and justify itself in the clear light of perpetual sadness and depression.  What's going on?

In the first half of John 16:33, Jesus Himself warns, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering." God's Word makes it very clear that "in the world" trouble is increasing.  But, in perfect form of our Father of Hope and Salvation, Jesus goes on to offer, "but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.' [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]"

We must take notice of two phrases that Jesus is using in this verse:  "in Me," and "in the world."  Let's look at these from two directions:

1. Either you are in the world, or you are in Christ.  If this world is holding the hope of your joy and your peace, you will know great disappointment.  If your trust is in this world, then your home, your job or your portfolio is your only refuge.  Those who have put their faith in Jesus, have found Him to be more than enough to counter every deficiency brought on by sin and death.

2. As S. Wigglesworth used to say, "You must come to see how wonderful you are in God and how helpless you are in yourself."  Even in the midst of all of the tribulations, distresses and challenges of living in this fallen world, God is a Refuge for us!  "In Him, we live and move, and we have our very being." (Acts 17:28)

Each morning, as you rise, before you go out into the world, take a few minutes and set your heart on the presence and promises of God.  He will surround you, protect you and empower to live with a joy that is unspeakable and peace that passes all understanding!  Our God is our Refuge!