God is Our Refuge

The psalmist, in a confession of faith, declares his fearless trust in God. The word refuge in the Old Testament spoke of being a place of shelter, safety, protection, and security. And it was a place where someone could receive help in their time of trouble. God is the psalmist's safe place, and his very source of help in trouble. This is why he does not fear, even if the creation itself were to fall apart, as described in verses 2-3. 

The psalmist expresses why he, and why we, can confidently trust God to be our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He knew that God is sovereign and in absolute control. He expresses this in verses 7-11; God is sovereign over the angelic hosts (vs.7), He is sovereign over war and calamity (vs.8-9), He is sovereign over the nations (vs.10). 

The Psalmist understood that because God is sovereign, everything must answer to Him. Even the circumstances that enter our lives are under His control and because of this He has the last say! 

Throughout the Psalm, he repeats that our sovereign God, who is in absolute control, is among us (vs.1, 7, 11). This reveals that the very precious presence of God is with us! We can count on Him to be our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

Whatever you are facing in your life today that is overwhelming you, discouraging you, possibly even giving you feelings of giving up, why not run to God – our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Cry out to Him! Share your burdens with Him! Trust Him! Let Him be your refuge so you can experience peace and sustaining grace in the midst of your struggle and pain!

"When God himself is our Comforter no anguish can long abide" – Charles Spurgeon