God: Our Refuge, Strength and a Very Present Help in Trouble

Daily Devotional – Sunday, January 9, 2022
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1 (NKJV)

Every time I watch refugees on television, my heart is overwhelmed with sadness. I empathize with women, children, elderly people, and able-bodied men carrying the little they could salvage while fleeing to save their lives. I pray that they get the urgent help they need.

On a deeper reflection, though, I realize that, spiritually, I often live like a refugee. For example, my professional world sometimes explodes with conflicts between and among colleagues. At times, we end up with wounded reputations and injured egos.

Trouble Everywhere

At home, the situation can be so tense that I feel like walking away and leaving everything behind. This is especially true when I have done my best but still feel unappreciated and misunderstood. At times, it is the embarrassment of having judged others wrongly.

As a leader in my church, there are moments when I just want the day to end so that I go home and rest. Maybe it is because I am exhausted from ministering or because I spent the day trying to solve conflicts.

God, Our Refuge

That is why nights and quiet places have a special spot in my life. They give me the perfect time and location to meet with and pour out my heart to the only Being that understands and appreciates me with all my weaknesses—God.

The sons of Korah had someone like me in mind when they wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1). I am often in trouble. I caused some of it because of wrong and irrational decisions and actions, as well as impatience.

Some close friends and family members also contribute to my troubles. There are also enemies who gossip and malign other people’s reputations. Distress may come my way because of the wrong decisions and actions of other people.

God is My Refuge

Irrespective of who causes my difficulties, I am delighted to know I can run to God for refuge and turn all my predicaments to him. God is my refuge because He welcomes me as I am, listens to me, forgives me, and gives me strength to live another day. I am so weak; I need His strength every second.

Around us, earthquakes may be erupting while mountains crumble into the sea (Psalm 46:2), but we will not fear because “the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalms 46:7). Under God’s wings, nothing can shake us.

Be still and know that I am God

Diseases, accidents, fake friends, real enemies, and powers of darkness may threaten our lives. However, we will fear nothing when we take refuge in the one who says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10).

When you face problematic people and circumstances today, remember that God is your refuge. Do not fight life’s challenges alone. Satan delights in fighting people who do not have God on their side. Your safety is in the powerful embrace of your God and Father.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, because you are my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble.