God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
The men who composed this psalm at God’s inspiration were descendants of Korah. This is the same Korah who had rebelled against Moses and had been punished by God. Although faithless Korah had tasted God’s fury against sin, his descendants lived to celebrate God’s mercy and grace. Our God is one who will not leave the guilty unpunished and yet maintains love to thousands, forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. How can this holy God love and forgive sinners? Look to the cross of Christ! There the Son of God suffered the punishment for the sins of the world. Jesus brings sinners forgiveness and peace with God.
God is a refuge for those who trust in him. In ancient times a portion of a city was enclosed with sturdy walls as a refuge or fortress. Farms and most dwellings lay outside this refuge. When danger threatened, the people would flee to the safety and defense of these fortress walls.
The sons of Korah praised God as their refuge. They had seen the wonderful way God protected and helped his people of Israel, especially at Jerusalem. They realized by faith that it was not the walls of Jerusalem but God himself who gave the people refuge and strength. God provided not only for their physical safety but for their souls as well.
Today God continues to defend and aid his people, those who trust in his Son as their Savior.
God is ever with us. He preserves his Word and church despite the constant attack of the devil, the unbelieving world, and false teachers. God provides for all our needs of body and soul, even in times of great need and conflict. God is our refuge. His Word endures forever. His grace and power never fail.
But often we are weak. What can we do when we find ourselves mired down again in sins we hate and try to avoid? Even then God’s Word reminds us that our freedom from sin and our place in Christ’s kingdom are not the result of how hard we believe or how well we keep his commandments. God himself is our refuge, our Savior. His promise is sure.
The confident spirit and exciting imagery of this psalm moved Martin Luther to compose the battle hymn of the Reformation, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” As we remember the Reformation this week, also remember its roots of faith in the comforting Word of our almighty God and Savior.
Prayer:
Lord God, forgive my sins and assure me of your abiding grace by the gospel. Deepen my trust in your power to help and keep me. Amen.
From Meditations on Favorite Scriptures: Devotions for a Year. All rights reserved.
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