We have all found ourselves in trouble at some point in our lives. Obviously there are varying degrees of trouble, and something serious trouble may require seeking legal help. Whether the trouble is our fault or not, we still seek wise and competent counsel. What would you look for in someone representing you? Experience, honesty, commitment to your case? Imagine meeting with them and sensing they are easily distracted and not really present? They are reading texts on their phone, and fail to make eye contact with you. You would immediately detect that they were disconnected, and not fully engaged in your case. This is a red flag telling us to move on.
When unexpected trouble comes into our lives we need a trusted place of refuge that is sure and steadfast; a place that provides the strength that we need to get through the trouble. Psalm 46 is a psalm of comfort and encouragement when we find ourselves facing the unexpected chaos. He immediately assures us that “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Not only is He our trusted shelter, stronghold, and fortification….He is very present!
He is not simple present, He is very present. These two words together bring a strong assurance into our troubling situation. It means that He is exceedingly, greatly, and mightily discovered, encountered, and the place to find favor. No matter what the trouble might be; which is distress, calamity, adversity, and tribulation….His strength and power is right there, allowing us to encounter His favor in the midst of our adverse situation.
It is because of His presence that “we will not fear” How is it possible to not fear when afflictions and adversity come crashing into our lives? Fear is a God-given emotion. Healthy fear provides the adrenaline needed for our bodies to react and move from a dangerous situation. But there is also a deadly and immobilizing fear. It is the fear that the enemy uses to keep us terrified and living in distress. Satan’s fear is a liar that seeks to destroy our lives, rather than us seeking the Lord as our refuge and strength to live a bold and purposeful life.
He tells us in verses 2-3 that “though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with swelling…” These things will happen! The assurance comes when we know who our refuge and strength is.
“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.” Psalm 46:4-5