BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD

“COME, BEHOLD the WORKS of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth” – Psalm 46:8

The world is witnessing seasons that demand responding to the Divine Invitation to BEHOLD the WORKS of the LORD: “COME, BEHOLD the WORKS of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth” (Psa.46:8). Psalm 46 brings us an invitation to know the reality of God’s Presence, especially in the face of pervading fear. Shielded by Mercy, as we see the effects of desolating judgments all around the globe, we cannot but stand in awe of God. The unveiling of the greatness of God’s Character and the reality of His Presence turn our fear, distress, and anxiety into joy, security, and stability!

Although the idea of God’s Presence may seem somehow abstract to some, witnessing His works enables us to experience and know His Presence as a day-to-day reality, not just a vague theological concept. Beyond the realm of spiritual fast foods, Christian clichés, or positive thinking techniques, we can partake of the peace, joy, and security of God’s Presence in a very real way: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (vv.1-3). Real fears demand real answers – as evidenced in God’s Works!

Amidst permeating anxiety, infective fear, uncertainty, distress, and difficulty, we are called to behold God’s works. With respect to the Old Testament, that would have meant recalling Jehovah’s faithfulness to His covenant people. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob kept His promise to preserve His people. He delivered them out of bondage in miraculous ways. In the wilderness, He guided them by the cloud, fed them with manna from the sky, and gave water from a rock. As they entered into the Promised Land, He delivered city after city into their hands. All along the way, He ensured that those who sought to wipe Israel off the face of the earth had the ruin they sought to bring on God’s people divinely turned back on them. Miraculously, Jehovah rendered the enemies’ weapons of war useless and brought conflicts to a screeching halt (v.9).

The invitation is to come and gaze upon who God is, what He is like, and what He has done; and it is scriptures that reveal glimpses of who God is and what He has done, so that we may understand and experience the reality of His Presence. The Bible is the revelation of God’s Heart, Mind, Character, and Purposes. It is in the Scriptures we see His divine hand at work throughout the whole of human history and even into eternity. God’s Word reveals His works; His works affirm His Presence!

God’s works are more than exciting Bible stories, interesting Sunday school lessons, or mere moral instructions on courage, honesty, or obedience. His works reflect His goodness and greatness. They serve to bolster our understanding of the nature of God, and fortify our faith and trust in Him, both now and for the future. God’s Word is life, and gives light and hope. When we’re overwhelmed, when life is chaotic, and our hearts are fearful and doubtful, it’s time to open God’s Word – time to “come and behold the works of the Lord.” God is calling our minds away from beholding: the “what-ifs”; what other people have to say; multiple perspectives to the problem; and human-centred solutions. We must look to God and meditate on Him.

By virtue of the revelation of God’s works, we can boldly affirm: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (v.7,11). As we heed the call to behold and become soundly established in God’s Word and works, we are better equipped to deal with pressures and fears of life and to live above our circumstances rather than subject to them or be tossed about by fear, with no sure footing in life’s storms. Beloved, let’s get into the Word, and get the Word into our hearts!