THE KING IS IN OUR CORNER!
- Key Verse
- "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God is always with us — always. No matter our circumstances, challenges or trials, our great protector God is standing strong and unmovable by our side.
Reflections
In 1527, Psalm 46 inspired Martin Luther to write one of his most famous hymns, "A Mighty Fortress.” Along with the father of the Reformation, countless others have also found solace in these special verses through the years. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to this psalm. If they’re like me, they cling to it for comfort, strength and reassurance that not only will they be “okay” no matter what befalls them, but more importantly that God is in charge, that all things are in His control and that He will be exalted. Nothing I do or anyone else does to me will ever thwart God’s plans for my life or His kingdom; furthermore, nothing could ever possibly remove my salvation and eternal life with my Creator and King in Heaven.Today's psalm presents several truths:
• Our world is fallen and given to destruction (vv. 2-3).
• God is always with us (vv. 1, 7, 11).
• God is our strength, help and protection (vv. 1, 7).
• God is holy and all-powerful (vv. 9, 10).
I lean on these truths because I know experientially that the world is fallen, that I do bad things and that bad things happen. I also know, however, that God has always blessed me abundantly, and that I have air in my lungs and faith in my heart because of Him. Additionally, it is no coincidence that we are reassured three separate times in this one psalm that not only will God never leave us, but that He’ll always take care of us (vv. 1, 7, 11). God doesn’t say, “I might take care of you,” or “I’ll get to your situation when I’m done with more important things.” He says He is “ever-present” and “our refuge and strength!” (v.1) What a wonderful Father!
So what can we do? How can we truly rest on the truths of Psalm 46? As verse 10 says, we need to simply “Be still and know that [He] is God.” Claim it today: the King is in our corner!
Discussion Questions
1. What situations in your life consume you with worry or fear, and how does this psalm speak to that worry and fear?
2. What experiences in your life can you recall where God was definitely by your side? What do those experiences tell you about where God is in your life today?3. Think of a special place and time every day where you can “be still and know that He is God,” even if it’s just for a few minutes. Do you think that would realign your focus and priorities?
4. God's promise to be my refuge and strength in times of trouble is often made tangible to me through the Body of Christ and ministries like Celebrate Recovery (CR). Have you considered examining your issues "in community and in the light" through CR?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Terry Melle
May 4, 2010 06:26 AM
There are so many experiences in my life where God has intervened protectively, that his stamp and seal are so very obvious. That I still fret about circumstances outside "my" control is embarrassing. He is God! He is in control. His solutions are always better than mine. A mighty fortress indeed, is He.
Mark Sutton
May 4, 2010 06:38 AM
Hillary, Thanks for this mornings devotion. He tells me his name is I AM. He gives me the grace to endure and rest in him. I will praise Him.
Chip Smith
May 4, 2010 07:04 AM
Wow Hillary! What a great log this morning! This is an inspiring Psalm indeed. I recently had one of those aha moments with God and my life is now on a good trajectory. My worries about my health, finances, ministry, family, and more just melted away as God restored in me a confidence in His sovereignty. I know now that my life is and has always been in the hand of God and now I can rest in that experiential knowledge and focus on what is really important to Him. I am so grateful for this log because now I have a Psalm to go with my recent experience. Have a great day!
Daren
May 4, 2010 07:40 AM
thanks, Hillary. tomorrow is OUR anniversary, too! happy 9th to you and Sol.
Helen
May 4, 2010 07:45 AM
Thank you for the devotion and it is one of my favorite psalms. The psalm reminds me that "GOD is my refuge and and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” whenever I worry about my future, children and job. Praise HIM, HE is my resting place.
Scott Worthington
May 4, 2010 07:53 AM
First - I love your spirit! Question #2 causes me to recall a time when I was 7 (52 now). It was the day I was leaving my mom's house to go live with my dad because of an abuse issue. I was walking from school to where my mom worked and had a buck or two in my pocket. I walked across a street to go into a store and bought a big super ball. For the longest time, I remembered that being a dismal and horrible day. After counseling, accepting Christ as my Savior, Celebrate Recovery, spending time in the Bible, and journaling... I had an "Aha!" moment. I finally realized God was present and even speaking to me, Guiding me safely on my little lonely journey to mom's work (and way beyond into the big world), and Loving me so I would know that He is always present. I know He will never leave nor forsake us. There is no reason to fear and worry. Oh, and you should know ... In my memory that one little day now reveals the sun shining brightly and I can hear the birds singing sweetly. Thank you, Hillary, for re-surfacing the beautiful memory!
Craig Williams
May 4, 2010 08:18 AM
One of my favorite Psalms, Hillary. Congrats on the new baby! You did a great job of bringing out some key truths. I am encouraged as God brings us through some upheaval in our lives recently. I have to remind myself that "resting confidence" is really needed in my life and that God is so powerful and that all of us can fully trust Him.
Tim Hawks
May 4, 2010 08:26 AM
Thank you, Hillary. It has been so exciting to watch the journey that God has orchestrated for you and Sol over the years. I pray that I would be willing to follow Him and obey Him fully today.
Rob
May 4, 2010 09:26 AM
Hillary, You're great! You are the only one I know who can get away with saying "butt" in something like this. I loved what you said and we all miss you on Mondays. You have inspired me and many others as well. God bless you, the kids, and of course Mr. Sol... See you soon.
Randy Allen
May 4, 2010 09:30 AM
Thank you Girl. You are a great daughter!!! Papa
Bob A. King
May 4, 2010 09:36 AM
Hillary, God really used you today - what a great outline of the Psalmists thoughts and what a beneficial personal application. THANK YOU!
Cindy Hawks
May 4, 2010 09:53 AM
Hillary, loved your devo! Thanks! I love that in the midst of this fallen world, no matter what, because God is in fact God, we can say with the Psalmist "therefore, we will not fear." How great is that to be able to live fearlessly in the face of turmoil! And YOU, my friend, are someone in my life that is an example of "fearless living." Love you!
Beckye Estill
May 4, 2010 11:13 AM
Hi, sweet friend! I loved this part:"not only will they be “okay” no matter what befalls them, but more importantly that God is in charge, that all things are in His control and that He will be exalted." Amen, sister! I have seen the Lord do this over and over. He is powerful and faithful! Congratulations on your new sweet Skaff and for your anniversary! Celebrate!
sara
May 4, 2010 11:37 AM
Thank you Hillary for the reminder of His ever present help. A needed reminder in the chaos of life.
Jim Lotspeich
May 4, 2010 01:31 PM
Hillary, Thank you so much for sharing such great truths. Psalm 46 is one of my favorite scriptures to rely on knowing that God is always there and ever present in our need and life. I love the hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God!
Susy Smith
May 4, 2010 01:32 PM
Thanks Hill! Your first 2 questions helped me journal some feelings I have been having but have been unable to articulate so far. And the 3rd question...maybe I should check out CR..just kidding! Oh and you made me laugh my butt off! LOL
Linda Jean Butler
May 4, 2010 03:50 PM
Thanks Hillary. I am going through one of those situations in question 1 and I know I need regular reminders of His "ever present help in time of trouble". Thanks for being one of His messengers today.
Conni Thoms
May 5, 2010 04:21 PM
Hillary - we share the same anniversary date...but my husband and I are a few years ahead, 19! I pray that this Psalm brings you reassurance with Judah..praying for you, Sol and all three of your beautiful children.