“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Trouble assumes many forms — financial hardship, rocky relationships, illness. You could easily fill in the blank if I asked what troubles you. Troubles threaten us, leaving us feeling vulnerable and depleted. How do we navigate them when we lack wisdom or experience?
God offers hope and peace! The life-giving words of Psalm 46 declare that “God is our refuge” or shelter in times of storm or danger. He is our protector and He is always there to help. When we are weakened, He is our strength.
The Psalmist continues: “therefore”, or in light of this truth, “we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Ps 46:2). Troubles can make it feel like the earth is giving way — as if all our security has vanished. However, this Psalm reminds us of God’s ever-present sovereign security helping and strengthening us when we are in trouble. We don’t need to fear.
The Psalm ends with instructions for troubled times: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps 46:10,11).
Immerse yourself in His words. Meditate on the LORD. He is God. He is Sovereign. He is the Strong One. Your strength. He is ready to help. He is your fortress and place of safety. Nothing is too difficult for Him. No trouble is beyond His help.
Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to be our refuge and strength. Help us LORD to trust in You in the midst of our troubles to work everything for good. Protect and strengthen us. Help us to be still and know that You are God. Thank You for being our fortress! Amen.
Take Action
Meditate on Psalm 46. Sometimes we meditate on our troubles and see God behind them. Try meditating on God and seeing your troubles behind Him — behind His promise to be your refuge and strength, your help and your fortress. Read Psalm 46 again with the LORD at the forefront — talk to Him about your troubles and ask Him for specific help.