“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1
It’s easy to raise our hands and praise the Lord when all is well, but what about in times of trouble? What you believe about God is directly linked to your sense of security. Today’s verse tells us what the psalmist believed about who God is, even while surrounded by trouble. It’s not just truth he knew intellectually; it’s truth he applied in the midst of adversity. So, what’s the key to finding security in God alone?
Notice the present tense, “God is…” The psalmist didn’t pray for God to be his refuge; he’s stating something that’s already happened. God was his refuge—his place of shelter and security. You see, what we believe about God determines our expectations when anxiety and adversity threaten to overtake us. We either view our circumstances through our knowledge of God, or we view God through our circumstances.
What we believe about God also determines our level of fear. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (v2). The psalmist’s faith was not circumstantial. He believed God was more than able to handle any situation. We, too, overcome fear by turning to God for strength—by finding our security in who God is and what He can do.
The writer of Hebrews expressed it this way, “we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil” (Hebrews 6:18–19). Think about it, anchors bring stability and reassurance. Those onboard can rest through the night when their anchor is secure. Our hope is sure because Jesus is the anchor of our souls.
Where do you turn in times of trouble? Where do you run for refuge when your world is falling apart? Finding security in God alone is not an intellectual exercise; it’s something you have to put into practice. Don’t let your present troubles overshadow the eternal promises of God. Believe that God is who He says He is. He is our refuge, our strength, and our help—regardless of what’s happening around us. And He is more than enough!