Psalm 46:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” vs. 1

During the tumultuous days of the Reformation Martin Luther often turned to the Psalms for comfort and strength in moments of stress and fatigue. Psalm 46 was a particular favorite and in 1527, as the Black Death swept across Europe once again, he paraphrased its words as he wrote what became his most famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. He believed with all his heart that God was a “bulwark never failing” when earthly kingdoms were being shaken by conflict and strife. Through the years Luther’s words have been sung with gusto each Reformation Sunday in thousands of congregations all over the world. We know what it’s like to be assailed on every side, and while our challenges may not be so overwhelming as his, we too have our days of despair. It can seem as though events are spinning out of control and that those who claim to be in charge really have no power. Natural disasters and epidemics come with sickening regularity…everywhere we see the sad faces of helpless victims. Terror stalks us and fear grips our hearts. We worry about the safety of children and grandchildren. Everywhere we look, trouble awaits. These are the moments when the words of the psalmist touch our hearts and we turn to God as our refuge and strength. And it works, it really does! As we cry to God, fear and anxiety flee away, and we are strangely calmed.

Thought for the Day: When has God helped me in a time of trouble?