Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.
In the ancient world, a refuge was a fortified shelter or city that offered physical safety. There are lots of things in today’s world that also offer us safety when we are in trouble. Things that appear trustworthy but do not last.
For many years I turned to gambling when life got a bit tough. It certainly took my mind of things, but the only thing that was kept safe was the money I lost.
Where do you go for safety and strength?
God’s character is revealed in the above verse; he is a refuge and help in trouble. This tells us that we need to rethink where we go when we are in trouble. Our safety during difficult times is not found in a location, but it is God himself.
Psalm 91:2 echoes the key verse saying, I will say to the Lord “my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust”. So, as followers of Christ, it’s important that we learn to shift our trust from things that give the illusion of safety, to the creator of the universe who is a very present help in our trouble.
How can we change what we trust?
Shifting our trust from things to God is something that we need to learn as believers. It starts with understanding who God is and how empty the things of this word are. Thankfully, God has provided us with his word, which helps us understand his many characteristics.
Refuge, strength and a very present help in trouble
When we combine meditating on the scriptures that reveal who God is, reminding our souls of these truths and then actually go to in him when we need it most, we grow in our faith and trust in our creator.
Your next step in Faith.
Now that you know that God is a very present help in trouble, you will need to decide to trust him instead of things.
Let someone know that you want to trust God when you need strength, so they can support you in prayer and your action.
Are you ready to do more than just know that God is our refuge and strength?
Father God, we are sorry that we have trusted things instead of you when we are in trouble, but thankful that you have shown us who you are. I pray that we would purpose in our hearts to grow in our knowledge of you and go to you when we need safety and strength. -In Jesus name, Amen.
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Doubledgedsword Devotions 
Amen, brother!
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It can be interesting to note the soul’s response in times of trouble.
There are times when l immediately go to God when things come up – like Jonas still in hospital now. His health is beyond me to understand, let alone make better, so all I can do is trust in Papa’s care.
Yet other times l resort to lesser ‘helps’ – striving to control situations in my own strength, trying to be ‘strong’ as if l can manage the challenges facing me, rather than remembering God’s power made perfect in my weakness and time of need.
Let’s hear it for God as our Refuge, Strength and ever present Help, hey?! How on earth does anyone manage without Him?
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