God Is Our Refuge And Strength

Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Everyone needs a fortress or a place of refuge when the storms of life come knocking at our doors. Martin Luther, who initiated the Reformation in the church, authored a worshiping hymn entitled "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." What is a fortress or a refuge? It could best be described as a stronghold or a shelter inside a wall to keep out the enemy.

Psalm 46:1 also says God is "A Very Present Help In Trouble." His help most frequently is a spiritual presence that defeats our enemies. However, at times it is a physical presence when God sends angels for our defense. We will look at a few examples of how God was a "Refuge and Strength" for the Israelites in the past, present and will be in the future. 

Shortly after the Israelites were released by Pharaoh out of Egypt, they came to the Red Sea. Realizing they could not cross the Red Sea, they also noticed the Egyptian Army was approaching them from the rear. Moses said, "Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of The Lord." God then said to Moses, "Lift up your rod" and  God divided the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross to the other side. 

God Was Their Refuge And Strength, A Present Help In Trouble!

Let us now look at present day Israel who is surrounded by enemies. A terror group Hezbollah is located in Lebanon north of Israel, another terror group Hamas is to the south and the Palestinian Liberation Organization is located in Ramallah near Hebron. All have the same focus of destroying Israel. However, since Israel was founded in 1948, they have never lost a war! The Israel military forces reports enemy missiles headed for Tel Aviv are miraculously  diverted off their course. 

God Is Their Refuge And Strength, A Present Help In Trouble! 

Let us now look at the future of Israel. At the end of the Tribulation Period, the Anti-Christ will assemble the largest army in history to destroy Israel. However, Jesus Christ physically appears in the skies on a white horse and strikes down these armies with a sharp sword coming out of His mouth. 

God Is Their Refuge And Strength, A Present Help In Trouble!

Psalm 46 closes in verse 11 that says, "The Lord of Hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." Psalm 46 is not only for Israel but also for all who call on The Name Of Jesus As Lord And Savior!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You In His Care This Day,

Frank