Our Daily Bread: Remembering 9/11Sýnishorn

His Presence, Our Help

Be still, and know that I am God! -Psalm 46:10

The horrors of September 11, 2001, are forever etched in our collective consciousness. On what started as a normal September day, the nation was shocked as reports of hijacked jets being used as weapons of destruction spread around the world. We as a people were plunged into confusion, simultaneously brought to our senses and to our knees in prayer.

In our lives there are days and seasons when it feels like “earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea” (Psalm 46:2); when “the oceans roar and foam” and “the mountains tremble as the waters surge” (v. 3). As much as we would like to, we cannot escape the mind-numbing, life-altering situations that we’d rather avoid. 

Psalm 46 speaks to people of faith faced with extreme circumstances. Despite the calamities, these poetic expressions of faith and trust prevail in view of God’s power and presence. He “is our refuge and strength” (v. 1). Though earthshaking events may invade our lives, our faith in God need not be shaken. “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (v. 11). 

May we be able to see clearly through the turmoil and tears and frayed emotions to understand that the presence of trouble doesn’t mean the absence of God. According to Psalm 46, it’s just the opposite.

Father, I need Your help to be strong in the midst of trouble. Help me to sense Your nearness in everything around me and in speak of Your absence.

Arthur Jackson