A Refuge in Troubled Times

Introduction: Where do you go when your facing trouble? Who do you turn to? How can we find strength to face the challenges of life? Sooner or later, we will need a refuge. Read Psalm 46. Some scholars believe that this is a description of king Hezekiah when he was surrounded by the enemies of God. Needless to say, this is a greatly beloved Psalm. Martin Luther titled it “A Mighty Fortress.”

1. Psalm 46:1-3 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

The first stanza:

“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 
does seek to work us woe; 
his craft and power are great, 
and armed with cruel hate, 
on earth is not his equal.”
 

2. Psalm 46:4, 5

“4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”

The 2nd stanza:

“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. 
You 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.”
 

3. Psa 46:10

“10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The 3rd stanza:

“And though this world, with devils filled, 
should threaten to undo us, 
we will not fear, for God has willed 
his truth to triumph through us. 
The prince of darkness grim, 
we tremble not for him; 
his rage we can endure, 
for lo! his doom is sure;
 one little word shall fell him.”
 

Conclusion: 

Listen to the last stanza: 

That Word above all earthly powers

no thanks to them abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours

through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill:

God’s truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever! 
 

Amen!!

Love y’all, 
Dr. Randy Reese