"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."
Psalm 46:1-3
Part 1
“God is our refuge and strength,”
You have the freedom to choose to believe in whoever or whatever pleases you, but take note—God (Elohim), is the only one who is a “refuge and strength.” He is the only one that we may flee to for safety. The Hebrew for “refuge” means “to flee,” “to flee to,” and to “take shelter in.” He is the “fortress” or “high tower” where you may run and hide when you are in any danger.
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower,” (Psalm 18:2).
This hiding place isn’t for just anyone. It is reserved for the child of God, the “righteous” ones.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe,” (Proverbs 18:10).
Note also that God is not just a “refuge,” but He is “strength.” A strong man doesn’t need strength, but a weakling does. If you think you are strong enough to handle life on your own, then you don’t think you need God. God’s strength is there for those of us who realize our weakness and inability to make it through this life safely, and who acknowledge our need for His strength. So, if like me, you are defenseless and weak, then God can be your “refuge and strength.”
“A very present help in trouble.”
The Hebrew word translated “help” here means “aid” or “assistance.” God is of assistance to His children who have “trouble.” “The word ‘trouble’ would cover all that can come upon us which would give us anxiety or sorrow.” He is “very present” with His help. He is right there with what we need when we need Him. He proves Himself faithful over and over.
“Therefore will not we fear,”
With such a God who is our “refuge and strength,” who is ever present with His help, how can I fear? Our confidence is in Him, in His ability to help, in His care for His children, and not in ourselves.
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee,” (Psalm 56:3).
Come back tomorrow and see what we might be tempted to fear. With God, we need never fear these things.
1. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
2. Barnes, ibid.