“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Psalm 46 has been known as “Luther's Psalm”. It was Martin Luther’s habit to dwell upon the Psalms when troubles engulfed him. In 1527, Martin Luther faced some of the greatest difficulties of his life. During this period, much of the European continent was affected by the Black Plague. Germany was also not spared from that epidemic. Luther’s son fell ill and was on the brink of death. Soon, Luther himself fell sick. In the midst of these personal conflicts and the great battle of Reformation, Luther would call unto his co-labourers, "Come, let us sing the 46th Psalm." He loved contemplating the promises of Psalm 46.
Luther’s heart was instructed by the words of Psalm 46 to put his confidence in God when dangers and disasters befell him. Like the psalmist, Luther too wanted his disheartened friends of the Reformation not to be weary and not to give up their fight of faith. He wanted his fellow men to find their confidence in God. So, he wrote his famous hymn, “A mighty fortress”, based on Psalm 46.
Psalm 46:1 serves as an instruction on how God’s people ought to possess an indefatigable faith in God, even when they are encircled by terrors and troubles. The psalmist is not only an example of unfaltering faith, but also an encourager who exhorts fellow believers to put their confidence in God. The psalmist’s confession of God’s goodness towards His people is remarkably invigorating. He teaches us to embolden ourselves in times of our trials by making three assertions about God.
The first truth that we should affirm in the midst of our troubles is that “God is our refuge”. Some have built for themselves what appear to be well-fortified castles with tall, strong walls and thick iron gates, guarded by hosts of strong men with powerful weapons. Yet time and time again, such man-made refuge had been breached by enemies and are subjected to all kinds of perils. A far superior shelter is the LORD God for all who trust in Him. He is their impregnable refuge. Taking shelter in God is far better than running into man-made shelters. God is our safe shelter!
God alone is His saints’ unfailing shelter. Only in God can we find true security. He is our retreat beyond the reach of our adversaries. He is our hiding place. So, let us quickly run into Him. In prayer let us wait on Him. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
The second truth that God’s people must affirm always is that God is their “strength”. When they feel weak and defenceless, God is the source of their strength. They can come to Him, and renew their strength. God’s omnipotence provides His people with assurance and motivation to endure their troubles and accomplish all that God has called them to do. Let His people believe that God’s strength is their strength. Let them arise in confidence to fulfil all His good purposes, even when troubles assail them. God is our unfailing strength!
All who trust in the Lord’s strength can surely say, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). His saints may be troubled on every side, but they have no need to despair. The Lord’s word to us all is: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” So let us joyfully say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The third solemn truth that God’s people must affirm constantly is that God is “a very present help in trouble.” When trouble is near His people, God is nearer to them than the trouble. He never withdraws Himself from His troubled people. He draws near to His children in their trouble. God is closer to His people than their nearest and dearest family member or friend. He will be with them as their Help. His presence will be nearer than the trouble. He will never be absent from His people. Troubles confronting God’s people are not a sign of God’s abandonment of His people. Rather, they are an opportunity bestowed by God for them to experience the grandeur of His presence.
Come, let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm!
While we thank God for the improved Covid-19 condition in Singapore, we must uphold our brethren who live and labour for the Lord in many parts of the world where the infection is worsening.
In the past week, we have received news from our mission fields in Ethiopia and the Philippines that the spreading of Covid-19 is troubling the ministries, and some brethren have been afflicted by it. Pray that the Lord will grant mercy to those who have fallen ill, and also strengthen the servants of God to minister to His people in their respective mission fields.
Dear Rev. Koshy,
Greetings in our Lord's blessed name!
Praise God for the Gospel work which He has been accomplishing through you. It is our prayer that He will continue to bless all your labours for the cause of Christ.
My wife, Gete, has been sick since last Sunday. She was checked for Covid-19, and when the result subsequently came out, we were told that she had tested positive. Now, my family is under house quarantine. God willing, all of us will go for Covid-19 test the next day.
Pray God that He may heal my wife and protect all of us. We trust in the mercies of God to carry us through. Please pray also that all our co-labourers will be safe.
We closed GBI and the children’s ministry last Wednesday, as an added precaution.
Please convey my regards to your family and the whole church. Have a blessed week of service.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem