





“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

This Psalm celebrates the praises of Immanuel (God with us). The people of Judah were vividly aware of God’s presence in their lives at this point; they had faith in Him for protection and provision. Oh that we too would fully grasp this wonderful truth, our safety and protection comes from God ALONE! Not from wealth, power or people, but only our Lord God. What a blessing!

So why do we fear?

Whenever we find ourselves in the grip of fear, we are not trusting in the power of God. This is where satan loves for us to be, he knows if we are paralyzed by fear we cannot be the effective witness for Jesus Christ that God calls us to be.

The devil is fully aware of our weaknesses and will try to attack us daily in those areas. But we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us to defeat satan every time he rears his ugly head.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” ~ Romans 8:31

We certainly know that God is for us, He sent His only Son to die for us! God is a loving and perfect Parent and would never abandon His dearly loved children.

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” ~ Nahum 1:7

This Psalm has comforted thousands of God’s children in times of trouble, for it is not just words on a page such as we find in poetry; it is a promise found in the living word of God! This is a promise that we can cling to for support and endurance through unpleasant or even tragic circumstances that come about in our lives.

A Mighty Fortress is our God! When we abide in Him all that would distress us melts away, and the perfect peace that only He can provide comes into our hearts and gives us the strength to go on for Him! What a glorious position we have through Christ who has made us sons and daughters of God, and bestowed on us the peace that passes understanding.

Oh yes, God certainly is our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble!

Thank You Father God for Your wonderful peace in troubled times. Thank You for Your precious Word that provides me with encouragement to live this life for You, help me to obey your Word as I go through this day for Your glory, Amen.

by Mary Heuss Nelson

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.