DEVOTION – DAY 270

Psalm 46:1-2 “God Is Our Refuge”

 

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

 

Psalm 46 is a psalm that praises God and encourages all believers to put an absolute trust in God. Although written to encourage Israel when the nation was surrounded by many enemy nations threatening to overwhelm it – just like the imagery of the psalm that paints a picture of a world in upheaval because of great natural disasters, it is just as applicable today for all of us.

 

Today, some of us may be facing financial crisis that threatens to overwhelm us because of the sharp increase in the cost of living. Some of us may be facing multiple health issues and are fearful of mounting medical bills and failing health. Some of us are fearful because of the unstable political situation in our country and the falling value of our currency. Some are worried about their children’s future, or they may be struggling with loneliness because they are empty nesters and all their children may live abroad. It is no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed just like the nation of Israel in ancient times. But Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and our strength. When we feel overwhelmed, worried or fearful, we can ask God to protect us. When we feel weak and unable to face all the pressures of daily living, God is the source of our strength. God is also our ever-present help in times of trouble. We do not face our many challenges alone because we have God to help us. This is such a reassuring thought.

 

We know someone who generally enjoyed good health for most of his life. But in the last year, there was a persistent cough. Initially, everyone assumed it could be Covid-19 but repeated Covid-19 tests revealed negative results so this person thought it was probably an allergy of some sort. Finally, a check-up diagnosed an advanced stage of cancer. The diagnosis was met with fear and confusion. The person was shocked at the news. But he found comfort and reassurance that God is his strength and refuge. Although the future is uncertain, he can call on God for He is his ever-present help.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of need. Thank you for faithfully coming to our aid and helping us to trust in you always. Please help us to weather the storms in our lives. We humbly ask this of you in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What fears, worries and concerns cause you to lie awake at nights?
  2. How has God been your refuge and strength and ever-present help in the past?
  3. Will you surrender your current fears and worries to the Lord and ask for His help?
  4. Who can you share this devotion to encourage them?