Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude
No Fear!

We now have a clothing line named "No Fear." The company promotes events like Martial Arts, Ultimate Fight Championships (UFC) and Motocross. The concept behind "No Fear" clothing seems to be "live life on the edge. Don't be afraid. Seize the day!" If you've ever watched a UFC bout you would have to understand the meaning of "no fear." It's crazy.

But then...that's exactly how people of faith are supposed to live.

Our Psalmist today begins by saying "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble...so we will not fear." How about the earthquakes in Haiti or Chili? Well, he goes on to say "we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea". And...not just natural disaster, but man-made disaster as well. HAVE NO FEAR! The Lord of heaven's armies are here with us".

OK, that's all fine on paper. But...did that guy ever try to make mortgage payments in this economy? Did he ever try to feed his family after becoming the victim of a 10% unemployment rate? In some ways survival is a more fearful prospect than the alternative.

Since we are not immune to the dangers of this world we understand fear. We live with it.

Then again...if we are living with fear, perhaps we are living in the wrong neighborhood. Our author continues..."A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it".

The best available address...if we hope to live a fearless life is not a physical address but a spiritual address. Most commentators believe the "river" that brings joy to the City of God is a metaphor for the Divine favor and comfort that derives to the residents of this sacred home. In the Old Testament we generally recognize the temple as God's dwelling. After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost we understand that God dwells within our spirits.

So, here's my question: Are we living in the world around us, or are we living in the world within? The world of our spirit, where God Himself dwells. To the degree that we let God turn us inward, we should witness a dissipation of fear. We cannot avoid exposure to the world around us. That doesn't mean we should move in.

Are you fearful? Perhaps you should change neighborhoods...

Live boldly out there today...