God Is Our Fortress
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalm 46:1-2
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What is the source of the psalmist’s calmness and of our encouragement in times of trouble? These verses don’t say that our lack of fear during earthquakes and tumultuous happenings when everything around us crumbles is related to the fact that we are strong or mighty or invincible. Instead it is because of who God is—our refuge and strength, the One who is always present with us and is standing ready to help in times of trouble. The fact that the Lord Almighty is here among us and is our fortress is reason enough not to panic when everything around us that can be shaken shakes. The circumstances of our lives may change, our nation or world may be in an uproar, but our position within the safety of God’s love and protection remains a constant . . . for he delights in us, cares for us, and is always ready to help. Do times of trouble come in the lives of saints? Most definitely. Will God be there to protect and strengthen us? In today’s psalm he has promised to do just that . . . and he always keeps his promises.
Prayers:
LORD, when everything in my life seems to be on the verge of crumbling and falling apart, help me to experience you as my refuge and strength, my firm foundation. You are the mountain mover, but you also hold creation steady in the palm of your hand. Guide me as I entrust my “mountains” to you, my solid, ever faithful Father.
Quotes:
IN SPITE OF ALL APPEARANCES TO THE CONTRARY, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR THIS BANKRUPT WORLD. HE STILL HAS SOMETHING IN STORE FOR IT. THIS DARK, SATANIC EARTH, DROWNED IN BLOOD AND TEARS, THIS EARTH OF OURS, HE STILL WANTS AS A THEATER FOR HIS GRACE AND GLORIOUS DIRECTION.
Helmut Thielicke (1908–1986)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Ecclesiastes 1:1–3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11 and Proverbs 22:15.
