He is Our Present Help, Part 2

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
‘Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-11

The writer of Psalm 46 knew what it meant to face turmoil and tragedy. Wars and violence were very much a part of Old Testament life. Entire civilizations were wiped out without warning. Imagine the fear and dismay of such perilous times. You may know personally what it feels like to abide in the instability of pain and suffering. At times you find yourself longing for something or someone to anchor and steady your hurting heart. Jesus is your anchor. He is your sure hope.

The psalmist tells us that even though our world appears disjointed, turned upside down, and on the brink of desolation, God is with us. He never abandons His omnipotent station. He is our hiding place when the storms of life lash out at us. He is our abode of trust, covering us with His divine veil of protection when forces too powerful attack. Martin Luther captured this thought in the words: “A mighty fortress is our God.” God is our refuge, and He cannot be shaken.

How do you tap into His sovereign watchcare? Verse ten of Psalm 46 holds the answer: “Cease striving [be still] and know that I am God.” Lay aside your human effort and call out to your Eternal Hope - Jesus Christ.

“In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety.” -Charles Spurgeon