Truths for Trials

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…

Psalm 46:1-2

Martin Luther used Psalm 46 to write his victorious hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” Luther faced numerous trials because of his belief that salvation is by grace through faith alone. It is said that when he grew discouraged, he would say to his friend and co-worker, “…let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm.” Luther wrote, “We sing this Psalm to the praise of God, because God is with us, and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends His church and His word, against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against all the assaults of the world, the flesh, and sin.”

In Psalm 46, the psalmist states, Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall… (Psalm 46:6).  And yet, this psalmist did not fear. Instead, he confidently penned truths about the LORD that comfort believers who face calamity.

Believers will face trials, but they do not face trials alone. God is their ever-present help, refuge, and strength. (Psalm 46:1) Because God is our help, we need not fear, even in the worst of calamities. (Psalm 46:2-3) Though circumstances seem out of control, God is always in control. …he lifts his voice, the earth melts…He makes wars cease…I will be exalted among the nations (Psalm 46:6,9,10). The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:7,11). We do not worship One who is incapable of helping us. He is almighty, powerful—He is able! He is the God of grace. Jacob means deceiver, a reminder to us that by grace God saves the undeserving. 

The psalmist gives two sound imperatives to believers. First, Come and see the works of the LORD… (Psalm 46:8). Reflecting on God’s past work of deliverance gives confidence and assurance in your present difficulty. Second, Be still and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10) Submit to the LORD. Spend time in His presence, gaining strength from His unchanging character and Word.    

Jan