What does refuge, strength and very present help mean?
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1)
This is an oft used phrase but do we really understand what it means?
REFUGE:
What is a refuge? It is a place that we can rely on for protection. A stronghold of safety. Why do we need such a place? Life can be unexpected, unfair or ugly. Or all three at once! God is someone that is never-changing and ever-loving. A refuge we can always run to. Even the seemingly strongest people in this world needs a place where they can retreat when things get overwhelming. A place of peace, of restoration and of rest. Where/who/what is your refuge? Make it God today.
STRENGTH:
God is not just a person we can run towards, but He is there to give us strength to overcome. I find it interesting that Jesus does not ask that we be taken out of the world but that we be protected from the evil one (Jn 17:15). We are also called to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). There is value in standing our ground and of learning through our situations, no matter how tough. God promises that He will be our strength. He will give us the ability to stand.
VERY PRESENT HELP:
God is not just someone we run towards and derive strength from, but He is ever present. He watches over us. Remember Jesus promises He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). And in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). What a comfort. What a joy to know that we are never alone.
I hope that you are reminded this morning of how GREAT our God is. He is indeed worthy to be praised - for He is our refuge, our strength and our ever present help in trouble. AMEN.
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