September Afternoon, Just Before Sunset
"There is a prejudice in much of contemporary Western society that
imagines that humankind grew up sometime in the 18th century, that
everything before then is sort of silly, and that everything after then is sophisticated, intelligent, and informed by science.
"But what is true today was true in the first century: There was a clash
of worldviews. The early Christians discovered themselves drawn into
the Psalter's ancient Jewish way of seeing God as both totally other than the world and radically present—dangerously
present—within it. And of course, this very description of God is also
the description of Jesus. The Psalms enabled the first generation of
Christians to navigate the world of their day, a world not all that different from our own." - N.T. Wright
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God will help her right early.
God will help her right early.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has wrought desolations in the earth.
how he has wrought desolations in 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!
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
he burns the chariots with fire!
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth!”
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
***
16 comments:
Definitely thought provoking! And a truly beautiful picture too.
Beautiful.
Be still..
Woolie Blessings
Thanks for this this morning!
nothing has really changed with humans since the Garden of Eden, the THINGS have changed, but human kind continues to be the same and will until the end of time... i wonder what Abraham or King David would think of all our techie stuff.
HI Judy Thanks for sharing. woonderful shot just before sunseet
Sadly, history has proven that nothing has changed with us. We just keep repeating the same mistakes, over and over. So thankful and blessed to have His Grace.
Beautiful sunset and wonderful Psalm!
What a beautiful image!
A Superb opening shot to a thought provoking post. It is interesting how we seem to complicate things in many areas of modern times (e.g. music mentioned in the link)
The deception of the 18th century philosophies seem to have developed into a deep rooted benchmark for ideas & excuses where "Everyman does that which he thinks is right in his own eyes"
God does not change (Mal 3 v 6) & essentially the human heart does not change but God requires us to change (Matt 18 v 3) but sadly that seems confusing so the people of a changing world (Ps 46) where people get excited more by the latest products of a changing world.
Lastly, a great Psalm packed with truth & inspiration. Seems strange to say but as I learn from the linked article, I must remember to treat them as Psalms !
Any civilization can say what they want but isn't it wonderful that God is the same now, tomorrow and forever...Great post.....
God's word is always timely isn't it?? HE is our refuge...
I remember our Pastor for 25 years (who is now in his late 80's) fondly quoting this psalm from memory.
One of my favorites!
Wonderful post!
Wonderful post!
I needed to hear this more than you known. Thanks.
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