The people of Israel were finally setting out. (By the way, aren't you glad they are moving out? That means we have gotten through all the details of the law... Don't worry, though, if you miss the law we'll see it again in Deuteronomy.) It must have been a very exciting time, but might have also been a time with much apprehension. They were traveling together in an unknown wilderness (that's why Moses wanted Hobab to join them) to an unknown land where they would be met by one enemy after the other. That might be enough to unsettle the stoutest of heart.
But they had one thing going for them - really the only thing that mattered. They had the Lord in their midst. In fact, the Lord even gave them a trumpet that was to be sounded so that the Lord, their God, upon hearing the alarm, would remember them and save them from their enemies.
Actually, however, I don't think the alarm was to cause the Lord to remember anything. I don't think He turned His gaze from His people. He certainly didn't need to be awaken from His sleep. I think it was more for the people, to remind them that they must enter into battle only with the Lord fighting for them. It was to remind all the people who heard the alarm that the Lord was in their midst and would be prospering their journey. How blessed they were to have such a Rock in the midst of the uncertainties they faced along the way.
That same sentiment is captured in Psalm 46. The first verses declare, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give 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."
What the psalmist describes is indeed frightening. Think about it: mountains being moved into the heart of the sea; the earth giving way. It reminds us of recent events with tsunamis and earthquakes and lots of destruction. Such things do bring fear and apprehension into our hearts, but the psalmist says that he finds refuge and strength in the Lord. Twice he repeats the phrase, "The Lord of host is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." I think with these statements he is calming his heart in the midst of the trial.
Well, what was a great help for the people of Israel and for the psalmist is no less ours. We have a Lord who is present among us. In fact, in these days He has taken up residence in our hearts. He goes with us every day. He walks with us in our trials and in our joys. When times are uncertain he is there to speak peace to our hearts; to tell us to "be still, and know that God is the Lord." He truly is a very present help in a time of trouble.
Are you experiencing trouble today? It may not be as dramatic as the earth slipping into the sea, but it may feel that way to you. As you experience this trial, to what or whom are you looking? Take the example of the people of Israel and of the psalmist. Blow your trumpet each day to remind yourself that the Lord is with you. Look to Him and come to know in your experience that He is indeed a very present help in time of need; that He truly is a Rock for uncertain times.
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