God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
The psalmist David writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Nothing is more suffocating, more soul stifling, than hopelessness. This dark feeling spreads when we fail to sense God’s hand or the presence of His help in hardship. It’s demoralizing to feel as though He is off somewhere in His wide universe, distracted by a billion other needs bigger than ours. Hope, however, is built on fact. And the fact is, God never takes time off from tending to our needs.
When troubles come, He doesn’t back away to allow Satan a free hand. It isn’t just God’s assistance that’s accessible at all times; the psalmist declares that God Himself is the always-present help in every trial. The Lord of light is your friend in darkness. The Lord of life stands beside you in death. The Lord of hope is your companion in despair. The Prince of Peace supports you when no peace can be found. The God of all comfort waits faithfully near you.
Yes, You are truly my refuge and strength, dear Lord. Thank You for always being present in my trials. When troubles cloud my horizon, when worries surround like a pack of wolves, when hope and courage drain away from my soul, You are as near as can be—as close as the air in my lungs and the blood in my veins.
