A psalm for the struggling

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on 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.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Psalm 46 [ESV]

Revelation 22:16

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright and morning star."

Even so.

The Inestimable Value of Truth

Buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Proverbs 23:23 [NASB]

The Revelation of Jesus Christ
For a number of weeks, the women's Bible study at my church has been study the book of Revelation--more fully known as The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This has been a breath taking study, and we have some weeks to go before we finish.
The lesson for this week looks at chapter 17 [among others] and the lesson states, "In Revelation 17:17 we see who is really in control. Whose purpose is being fulfilled? Why is He allowing these events?" We see that God is in control, to accomplish his purpose:
"For God has put it in their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled."
In Acts 2:23-24, we also learn of God's purpose being fulfilled by those who thought to styme him:
"This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

Psalm 33:8-11 [ESV]

Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded and it stood firm.
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsels of the LORD stand forever,
The plans of his heart to all generations.