Lesson 9: In the Psalms, Part 2

9.1 A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble
God Our Rock and Refuge – Confidence in Crisis and the End Times

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Introduction

In the 21st century, amid global crises, political upheavals, and personal struggles, the ancient voice of the Psalm rings louder than ever. Psalm 46 invites us to stand firm in the world’s clamor and experience God’s unshakeable presence. It speaks not only to our life’s difficulties but also extends into end-time visions where even heaven and earth tremble.

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Bible Study

We read Psalm 46 verse by verse:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
– God is our go-to when we are about to collapse.

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way…”
– Even if life’s foundations shake, God remains our security.

“…though the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
– Images evoking end-time judgments (Rev. 6:14; 2 Pet. 3:12).

“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
– His name recalls His omnipotence and faithfulness.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
– An invitation to pause and see His hand in our story.

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
– A glimpse of God’s final victory and the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 22:1).

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Answers to the Questions

 Question 1: Read Psalm 46. What message of hope do we draw from it, both amid present life struggles and regarding what we know of the end-time conflict over the earth?

• Here & Now: Even if all the foundations of our world collapse, God remains our steady anchor. His presence gives us peace (“Be still”) in the storm.

• In the End Times: The tremors and disasters are but forerunners of God’s great “reset,” when the old order falls and the new heaven and new earth rise (Rev. 6:14; 2 Pet. 3:12).

 Question 2: No matter how badly things go in this world (and we know they will worsen): what hope should we draw from knowing God’s goodness, power, and nature (think of the cross)?

• Goodness: His love led Jesus to the cross. There compassion and salvation meet even in suffering and sin.

• Power: Nothing can thwart God’s plan. He stills seas, topples kingdoms, and makes us co-regents.

• Nature: God is unchanging. He was, is, and will always be our refuge—in every emotional tremor and political upheaval.

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Spiritual Principles

1. God remains the same amid change.

2. End-time judgment and salvation go hand in hand.

3. Christ is our sole foundation and the cup of our salvation.

4. We are called to reflect God’s light in word and deed.

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Application for Daily Life

• Begin with stillness: Start your day with Psalm 46:10 (“Be still…”), seeking God’s presence.

• Practice compassion: Build a habit of helping someone daily—prayer, a kind message, or a small gift.

• Foster community: Join a small group to discuss end-time themes and encourage one another.

• Share hope casually: Offer a quick testimony on the subway, a hopeful social media post, or a warm smile to a stranger.

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Conclusion

Psalm 46 gives us calm assurance in distress that our God reigns above all. His promises carry us through personal tremors and global end-time upheavals. Remembering His cross—the perfect revelation of His goodness and power—empowers us to go on and shine His light into the world.

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Thought of the Day

“When the world trembles, cast your fears into the stream of God’s presence and become a lighthouse amid the storm.”

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Illustration – “In Life’s Storm – Refuge on the Rock of God”

It was a Monday morning in 2029 when Anna rode the subway on her way to her first shift as a hospital chaplain. Outside, gray clouds pressed flat against the train’s windows, and a low rumble heralded an approaching storm. Suddenly the lights flickered, and the tunnel rattled so violently that her fellow passengers gasped in fear. Yet while many hands groped for handrails, Anna remained strangely calm. In her heart echoed an old psalm verse: “Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, we will not fear, for God is our refuge.”

At the hospital she found chaos: anxious nurses rushing, corridors lined with beds, the steady beeping of monitors. An earthquake had shaken the building’s foundation, damaged utility shafts, and the city suffered blackouts and panic. As Anna hurried through the halls, she placed a hand on the shoulder of a young mother whose newborn had tumbled from its bassinet. In a gentle voice she said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Though the world trembled outside, a tiny spark of hope flickered in the woman’s eyes.

By afternoon, whispers in the cafeteria spoke of more quakes worldwide, political unrest, and supply breakdowns. Some colleagues spoke in resigned tones of apocalyptic scenarios, recalling visions where “the heavens recede like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island is removed from its place” (Rev. 6:14). But Anna thought again of that same psalm: God’s sovereign rule stands above all, and even now, amid this chaos, He is paving the way for His final victory and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

Shortly before her shift ended, she walked home through a city that seemed deserted. Fallen market stalls lay scattered, sheets of rain whipped the streets. She pulled her coat tighter and began to pray the Lord’s Prayer quietly—not only for herself but for everyone around her. Then she spotted a homeless man huddled in a doorway. His breath misted in the cold air, his eyes vacant. Without hesitation, she offered him a warm cup of tea from her thermos and wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. He drank gratefully as Anna gently squeezed his hand and whispered, “God is our refuge and strength.” In that simple act she felt God’s goodness come alive—a foretaste of the heavenly realm where suffering will be no more.

When she arrived home, she sat by the window, watching the flickering streetlamps, and opened her journal. She wrote, “The more the world shakes, the more I see how dependent we are on the Rock that never moves: Jesus on the cross. There God’s goodness and power are perfectly revealed. Not in promised world peace or unshakable politics, but in the Savior’s sacrifice do we find our unbreakable refuge.” Then she bowed her head in prayer, thanking God for the day when—even amid earthquakes, panic, and human crisis—she could witness His presence and strength.

As she lay down to sleep, she felt no tremor in the earth, only a quiet heartbeat of confidence within: Tomorrow another storm will surely come. But tomorrow she will rise again and live out the psalm’s words—anchored in the knowledge that God’s promises hold true, here and for eternity.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-in-the-psalms-part-2-9-1-a-very-present-help-in-the-time-of-trouble-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

May 25, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 39 – Joseph’s Integrity and God’s Upholding

 Service, Temptation, and Testing in Potiphar’s House

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Bible Text – Genesis 39 (KJV)

¹ And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

² And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

³ And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

⁴ And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

⁵ And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

⁶ And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

⁷ And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

⁸ But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

⁹ There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

¹⁰ And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

¹¹ And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

¹² And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

¹³ And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

¹⁴ That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

¹⁵ And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

¹⁶ And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

¹⁷ And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

¹⁸ And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

¹⁹ And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

²⁰ And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

²¹ But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

²² And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

²³ The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because theLord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.

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Introduction

This chapter shows how Joseph, despite hardship—slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment—experienced God’s constant presence and guidance. His exemplary service, his steadfastness in temptation, and his unwavering trust in God demonstrate how blessing flows through faithful obedience.

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Commentary

1. God’s Blessing in Service (vv. 2–6)

   • Situation: Joseph is placed in charge of Potiphar’s household and experiences God’s blessing in every task.

   • Meaning: When God is with us, He grants success and favor in our work, regardless of our position.

2. Temptation to Unchastity (vv. 7–12)

   • Situation: Potiphar’s wife daily tempts Joseph to sin with her.

   • Joseph’s Response: A firm refusal, out of loyalty to his master and reverence for God.

   • Lesson: Integrity guards against compromise; the fear of God serves as an inner compass.

3. False Accusation and Imprisonment (vv. 13–20)

   • Situation: Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph, leading to his imprisonment.

   • Conflict: Injustice strikes the righteous—a recurring theme for biblical heroes of faith.

4. God’s Preservation in Prison (vv. 21–23)

   • Situation: Even in prison, Joseph is blessed; the warden entrusts all prisoners to him.

   • Conclusion: God’s presence is evident not only in success but especially in trials.

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Summary

Joseph experiences God’s blessing in Potiphar’s house, remains faithful under severe temptation, and is wrongly imprisoned. Yet there too God’s hand is at work, granting him favor with the prison warden. God’s faithfulness accompanies the believer through every season—both in rise and in fall.

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Message for Us Today

• God Sustains Faithful Servants: Whether at work, at home, or in ministry—those who trust God will not be forsaken, even in adverse circumstances.

• Integrity Pays Off: A life guided by reverence for God and moral clarity prevents regrets over compromised decisions.

• Trials as a Stage for God’s Work: God’s faithfulness shines not only in success but often most brightly in crises and suffering.

Practical Application:

• Evaluate every decision by whether it honors God, not by immediate pleasure or gain.

• Trust in God’s care during difficult seasons and look for opportunities to share His faithfulness with others.

• Pray like Joseph—for wisdom, steadfastness, and the assurance that God works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

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May 25 – 31, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 7

The Flood

Read online here

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Introduction

In a world once of paradisiacal beauty, deep corruption reigned: idolatry, violence, and moral decay had driven out trust in the Creator. When God saw that “every intent of the thoughts of [people’s] hearts was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5), He announced a worldwide judgment by water—and at the same time provided a means of rescue: Noah’s Ark.

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Commentary

1.The Earth’s Fatal Condition

• • Corrupted by idolatry and self-deification

  • Adultery, violence, and licentiousness: violations of God’s order for life

2.Noah’s Commission and Preparation

• • 120 years of Ark-building as a living warning

  • Preaching repentance and extending an invitation to salvation

3.God’s Deliverance for Noah and His Family

• • The Ark as a sign of divine grace and obedience

  • The closing of the door: the end of all opportunity for repentance

4.The Day of Judgment in the Flood

• • The bursting of the subterranean springs and the opening of the heavens

  • Destruction of the unrepentant; preservation of the righteous

5.A Type of the Final Judgment

• • Parallels between Noah’s day and the last days (Matt. 24:38–39; 2 Pet. 3)

  • God’s warning and invitation remain in effect until Christ’s return

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Summary

The pre-Flood generation abused God’s gifts and life itself, denied Him, and forged their own destruction in sin. God revealed His judgment to Noah, yet at the same time offered rescue to him and his family through the Ark. Those who heeded God’s call were saved; those who persisted in rebellion were swept away in judgment. The Flood displays both God’s holy justice and His merciful deliverance for all who believe and obey.

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Message for Us Today

• Watchfulness and Repentance: As in Noah’s day, our hearts can easily be seized by selfishness and excess. God’s warning calls us to turn from sin and live holy lives.

• Obedience as Deliverance: Those who heed God’s voice and walk in His ways find rescue—not by their own merit, but by His grace.

• Eschatological Parallel: The Flood is a sobering picture of Christ’s coming judgment. Let us prepare by living in faith, shunning sin, and sharing the saving message with others.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-05-2025-genesis-chapter-39-believe-his-prophets/