Safe Place

Psalm 46:^1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (emphasis added).

The presence of God is a formidable source of strength. The Voice Translation puts Psalm 46:1-3 this way, “God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. 

So why run and hide? No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails. When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless. When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless. Even in heavy winds and huge waves, or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.” (emphasis added). Amazing! It is God’s presence that brings not just refuge, but strength to God’s people.

Guess what? God being our refuge and strength is not limited to times of trouble and earthquakes alone. The Psalmist is saying to us that in times of trouble, God is still our refuge and strength. The question is when the earthquakes, mountains crumble, and the earth spins out of control, how do you respond? Do you respond in fear? How you respond shows if you know, that you know, that you know that God is your refuge and strength. Do not get me wrong; we are human and when things spin out of control, naturally we get concerned. I am not saying you should be in denial. But like the scripture says, you do not run and hide, you have no fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails. Instead, you are sure and fearless.

Psalm 46:² “We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake.” (MSG, emphasis added). Remember, courage is a building block of strength, and courage is a function of the heart. The Passion Translation of Psalm 46:^2-3 “So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earthquakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves cannot erode our faith in you.” (emphasis added). Where is your faith? Your faith has to be in God who is your refuge and strength.

Is there trouble? God is present. And because God is present, you have refuge, protection, help, and strength. When God is your refuge and strength, there will be a strength about you that is unexplainable. And that kind of strength only exists in God’s presence. It does not come from bravado. Spiritual health and strength come from being in a relationship with God. When you come into that place of relationship with God, He becomes your refuge and strength.

Prayer (song): In Your presence, that’s where I am strong. In Your presence, O Lord my God.  In Your presence, that’s where I belong. Seeking Your face, touching Your grace. In the cleft of the Rock, in Your presence O God… Amen!