”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 46:1 Devotional
God is my Refuge and Strength
Psalm 46:1 states that God is our refuge and strength, therefore, an ever-present help in trouble. That is because God is our refuge and strength, He doesn’t take a leave of absence during times of crisis. And since the Bible doesn’t promise the absence of crisis, God’s shelter and power become our help during times of trouble.
Consequently, if you have God, you are assured of His shelter and power at all times. And this includes times of crisis.
Martin Luther
It’s therefore no wonder that Psalm 46 was Martin Luther’s favorite Psalm. During the dark and dangerous periods of the Reformation, Luther would turn to his trusted friend Philip Melanchthon and exclaim: “Let’s sing the 46th Psalm, and let the devil do his worst!”
Additionally, Psalm 46 inspired Luther’s great hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” He penned the hymn drawing from the Psalter’s description of God, and the promise that accompanies the same.
Consequently, I believe that no Psalm in all the Psalters expresses the tremendous truth that God’s presence and accompanying shelter and power are with us in all circumstances more than this Psalm. This is why I have always loved Psalm 46. And I have often read, quoted, or shared the same with someone in a troubling or counseling situation.
God with us
Therefore, the reality is that we shall experience difficult times. But Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God will shelter and strengthen us during those moments because He will be with us.
Remember, God is an ever-present God. This is what Matthew revealed to us in the twenty-third verse of the first chapter of his work: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)”.
Therefore, God is always with us. And this reality didn’t start with the coming of Jesus Christ. It has always been the reality for God’s people. Because way back in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 6, God first commanded His people to be strong and courageous, and not to fear as they went about their lives, more so when they were taking up the land He had promised to them. He then promised to be with His people – He actually promised to never leave or forsake them
I, therefore, believe and know that God will not leave or forsake you. He will be with you as you take hold of His destiny for you.
Where do you get your help in times of trouble?
Consequently, God will be with you in times of trouble. But the two big questions are: First, where do you run for shelter when life’s troubles overwhelm you? Second, what truths do you turn to?
In verse 1, the Psalmist describes God. And as he describes God, the Psalmist reveals that God offers us two kinds of help based on His character: a stronghold into which we can flee, and a source of strength by which we can face the uncertain future.
Therefore, when trouble shakes your world, God has not failed you. Troubles are a part of life (Job 14:1 and Psalm 90:10). But remember, God promised to be with you in the middle of your trouble.
He will give you the power to endure hardship. In fact, God’s strength manifests in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Isaiah 40:30-31).
Abandoned?
Sometimes you may think that God has abandoned you. Especially when you find yourself in difficult circumstances. But this is not the case.
God is indeed your ever-present help in times or days of trouble. And He will remain so – He is never far away from you.
Therefore, He will protect and strengthen you because He is sufficient in the same. Cast your troubles unto Him, and receive your help (Psalm 121:1-2, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 55:22). And don’t fear trouble (Psalm 46:2).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, I thank You for being my ever-present help in trouble. You are indeed so caring.
Trouble will never shake me. Therefore, I praise you in the Name of Jesus’ Christ, Amen.
Whatever you may be going through, may you turn to God and receive your help. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Jeremiah 7-10 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
