God An All Around Shelter

God: An all around shelter

Text- Ps. 46/Deut. 33:27

Introduction: Refuge, Shelter, Rock, Fortress, Shield, Buckler, Strong Tower- All of these terms symbolize not only protection but victory. We can see by example-Gideon/David and Goliath. (King Saul’s armor didn’t work he wasn’t used to it.) We can see in history many would run to a high tower or a fortified cliff or hill to try to better the enemy. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn’t. (Find illustrations) God has promised to be our refuge and strength a present help in time of trouble, a strong tower and underneath everlasting arms.

WE SEE HE IS;

I. Above to Protect Us Deut. 33:26 Rideth upon the heavens

A. He fights our battles for us from .

1. Isaiah 59:19 “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Marginal note says “put him to flight”

2. “He that has delivered will still deliver” Matthew Henry

B. The Postman said once about his sense of security while delivering mail. “ Why all the resources of the Government are pledged to support me in carrying on my work. If I have only one small post card in my bag no one dares to molest me in it’s delivery. All the Federal Police powers would be thrown into action if necessary to secure the safe delivery of that post card.”

II. Standing By - A Very Present (be enough, be here, ready, suffice)

A. My brother Jeff, often when we were getting ready to go to sleep would often say our names to see if we were still there. If we didn’t answer because we were asleep or couldn’t hear, he made sure we did. The story is told of a small boy who would do that to his father cry out, “father are you there.” The weary voice of the father would respond, “Yes, I am here.” Today that boy has grown and still before going to sleep he looks up to his Heavenly Father and asks. “Father you there?” Of course the answer is “I am here a very present help in time of trouble.”

B. The old song says; “Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus/ He’s a friend who always cares and understands/ And you’ll know him by the nail prints in his hands.

III. Supporting Underneath Deut 33:27

A.

B.

C.

IV. Is With Us

A. John Wesley on his death bed said “Best of all God is with us.” Then raising his arms and lifting his voice in triumph repeated, “Best of all God is with us!” And then he died.

B. “He’s in the midst of our storm.” When the waves are over our head they’re under His feet.

C.

Conclusion: