God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

This short and sweet Bible verse is a wonderful reminder of who God is. We can depend on him as our fortress and protector against evil. His presence is enough to sustain us and guide us through hardship. Through this statement, we know we can depend on the Lord whenever we need help. 

The entire chapter of Psalm 46 paints a beautiful picture of God’s character and how he cares for us. Later in the chapter, in verse 10, the psalmist tells us, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Like a mighty fortress, we can seek God for refuge when experiencing trouble. We can trust in his power and might to deliver us.

This chapter is also the inspiration behind the old classic hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” It talks about God’s reliability and dependability as a loving Savior and almighty King. The chapter is a declaration of God’s power. He is far greater than any opposition we will face in this life. When we trust in him, we will be able to believe that God will get the job done every time.

When we hide in the powerful fortress that is our God, nothing can harm us. Once we receive salvation from God’s grace, we cannot lose it. Our relationship with him is impenetrable like the mighty walls that make up the castle. He is our refuge, because he saved us from our sin. We must cling to him like our home. He is our security, the source of our strength and the lover of our souls.

God is always in the midst of our difficult circumstances. He knows what we’re going through. He is always there for us even when we can’t feel his presence. When we ask him to come into our hearts, he never leaves. Once we accept him as our Lord and Savior, he never forsakes us. He gives us his power when we feel weak. He gives us hope when we feel lost. This is why we call upon his name. He is our refuge and strength. 

This week, pray about how you can find refuge in God. Run into the welcoming arms of Jesus Christ and accept his gracious gift of salvation.