God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV
Most of us have never before experienced empty grocery shelves, lines to get into Costco, shortages of necessities, businesses and restaurants closing, many people suddenly out of work, and no end in sight. But people from other countries who have experienced war, lived through shortages, and suffered under actual persecution could give us perspective. For most of us, this is a new, different, concerning, even scary world we live in this week.
Psalm 46 is the answer to our concerns, our worries and our needs. Make God your refuge, ask him for the strength you need for every minute of every day. God is with us, He is present, He is our helper. “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings,” Psalm 61:3-4.
In the last few weeks, we all have a new normal. It may seem as if the world as we know it is crumbling around us, but our God is the same. He has not changed, we can and must trust him. “God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging,” Psalm 46:1-3. God is in control, he is not surprised, he does not change, he is trustworthy.
Take these words and images from Psalms, and use them to pray. When worry seems to be taking over your mind, pray for God’s strength and seek refuge in him, perhaps even think of God wrapping his loving arms around you like a mother hen does around and over her chicks. The world as we know it is not the same – but God is. He will help you, ask him for help, ask him to make his presence known in your heart and mind.
Martin Luther was inspired to write the great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God” after reading and studying Psalm 46. Here is a choir singing this hymn with the words so you can sing along, just click on this link. As you listen and sing along with this hymn be reminded of who our God is. He has won the battle, put your trust in him.
By Grace Hunter
