“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3
This Psalm is one I find myself reading often. It emphasizes the security of God’s people. When the world all around us is in turmoil, there is One who never fails. Nations may crumble, and great leaders may fall, but we can stand secure and firm on the foundation of God’s Word.
This Psalm inspired Martin Luther to write that great hymn” “
“A mighty Fortress is our God
A Bulwark never failing
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.”
In verse four the writer paints a picture of the Church, the multitudes of people who form the body of Christ today. “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.”
After Jesus was crucified, buried, rose again, and ascended into the heavens, He poured out His Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. From the city of Jerusalem flowed out the river of life bringing salvation to the world. He has been our rock and our fortress through the ages.
Many have attempted to cut the flow of the river and stop the work of the Lord, but the fortress still stands strong. Verse 5 says “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
With the saints throughout the ages, the message God gave the writer of this Psalm is ours to claim today. Verse 10 and 11 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
Thank you, Lord, for your promise to be our refuge and strength, and for the confidence that we have that you will never fail.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
