Daily devotional · January 18
A Very Present Help
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge.Selah”
Psalm 46 describes the worst imaginable: the earth giving way, mountains sliding into the sea, waters roaring. It is the language of total disorder. Yet the opening line does not begin with the disaster but with God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The word present matters. He is not far off, waiting until we clean up our lives; He is near in the middle of the noise. Because of that, the psalm says, we will not fear. That is not a claim that we never feel afraid. It is a decision about where we run when we do. Later the psalm tells us to be still and know that He is God. Today, when you notice anxiety rising, stop for one deep breath and say: You are my refuge. If fear stays heavy for weeks, please also tell a doctor, counselor, or pastor.
Prayer
God, You are my refuge. When everything shakes, hold me steady and help me be still. Amen.