The Refuge Of God

Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭11‬

“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. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “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.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The first words of this psalm announce its theme. God is our refuge our fortress and shelter. God is also our strength, our help the one who deals with the perils surrounding us. And because God is our refuge and help, we have nothing to fear, even if nature throws its worst tantrums at us.

The first two words in this Psalm again bring so much confidence, God is, our refuge, our strength, our very present help, God is. Do you actually believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God Is all He says He is? I truly believe that if we grasped this revelation of who God Is, our lives would look extremely different.

We all share the need to feel safe. When we don't feel safe, we stop growing. Instead, we put all of our energy into managing fear and protecting ourselves. Ancient cities protected their citizens by building large surrounding walls, which created a fortress that kept chaos out.

The walls constant presence in people's lives created a safe atmosphere where communities could thrive. Just as a fortress brought peace to a city, God is our fortress and brings peace to our souls in the midst of the chaos happening around us

In an ever-changing world filled with all manner of danger, David reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” God brings us peace and strengthens us, giving us the freedom to fulfill our God-given destiny rather than being preoccupied with our personal safety just like the ancient cities' fortresses gave them the freedom to thrive.

Building a secure ancient fortress was not an overnight process. It happened day by day, brick by brick. Knowing God is also a process. It happens day by day as we read the Bible, worship Him and stay in community with other believers.

Jesus said we would have trouble in our lives, but to be encouraged and at peace, because He conquered every problem we will ever face If we follow Him, Jesus will lead us into the fortress that is an intimate relationship with God.

This psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God, and His power, and providence, and gracious presence with His church in the worst of times, and directs us to give Him the glory of what He has done for us and what He will do. There is a certain and trustworthy basis for our faith the God who made us and everything in our world.

In all circumstances, no matter how terrible or frighten­ing, our unchanging God is our refuge and strength!!!

Father thank You for this day and when trouble finds us or when we find trouble, we praise You that You are our refuge and strength. You are our comfort. You are my our shield and buckler. You are our home. Lord pour out Your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord please make Your comforting presence and Your sustaining power real to us now. Lord show us You are near and strong for us in a hundred different ways, small ways and big ways. Lord thank You that you promise Your presence and power when trials find us, not just our neighbors, but us. You will never leave us or forsake us. You are with us and for us. Lord use my friend to be someone’s blessing today. Be a blessing.

Father, we love You. Amen !