God is Our Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1

The images of the devastation caused by the tornadoes in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, and other areas that we have seen won’t go away. What horror and fear these severe storms must have brought, and what unimaginable grief these people must be experiencing because of the loss of life and property. To know that so many are still unaccounted for is heartbreaking, and the waiting must be so painful. And it’s not over. The storms will continue to rage for the next few days and more lives will be affected.

This could be our tragedy, or someone we know – anyone’s – and even though we can’t know what these individuals are going through, our hearts and prayers are with them. We can’t understand why these things happen, but we have many reminders of God’s presence and compassion during such difficult times in His Word.

The writer of this psalm understands the uncertainties of life. His world seems to be crumbling around him, but yet, He trusts in God, and he reminds us that we can also be strong if we trust in Him.

The word “refuge” literally means “to flee”. God wants us to run to Him, to come to Him in search of His love, protection, and strength when we are feeling weak and vulnerable. Our sense of helplessness and fear should drive us to Him, and we can always have the assurance that His presence will be there to carry us through.

We know that only He can grant His loving mercy to those who are suffering from loss or injury from these storms, and only He can give them the grace to move forward with their lives.

“He is our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in trouble.”  He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and we can trust that He will keep His Word.

Our hearts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by these devastating storms. May we pray that each of these individuals will reach out to Him and He will surround them with His love, comfort, healing, and peace. And to those who don’t know Him, may they find Him through this experience, and seek His Word, His truths, His love, and His saving grace. May God grant them His peace.

He longs to comfort those who will call on Him. He will always be our refuge and strength.

 Prayer

Our most loving and gracious Heavenly Father, you know the pain and suffering of so many people affected by these storms. We pray you will surround them with your loving strength, comfort, and peace. May hearts be humbled and changed – to call out to you, to seek you, and to be saved by your love and grace. Amen