Our Ever-Present Help

“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.” Psalm 46: 1 – 3

After reading this Psalm, Martin Luther, in a time when his life was threatened, wrote the great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

Let your mind marinade in these words:

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.”

The title “Lord Sabaoth” stands out in the Scripture, but its meaning is little known. It means the Lord of armies. A contemporary song identifies God, His angelic army, and their protection.

“…I know who goes before me I know who stands behind

…The God of angel armies Is always by my side

…The one who reigns forever He is a friend of mine

…The God of angel armies Is always by my side

…My strength is in your name For you alone can save You will deliver me Yours is the victory

…Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?

The opening line of the text noted above is a summary of the sufficiency of our God: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Even if you are facing an intimidating situation these truths apply.

Rely on the truth declared in these closing thoughts: “…You hear me when I call You are my morning song Though darkness fills the night It cannot hide the light… Whom shall I fear?”

Hear it again: “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.” Psalm 46: 1 – 3               

May your conduct reveal you believe these truths. Let others see Jesus in you.