God Is Our Fortress: Finding Unshakable Peace in Troubled Times

Summary

Psalm 46 proclaims God as an unshakable refuge in a world filled with conflict, fear, and uncertainty. Though troubles swirl and nations rage, God remains present, powerful, and sufficient. He supplies inner peace, protects His people, and ultimately brings wars to an end. By trusting Him, believers can release anxiety, rest securely, and confidently know that God is in control. He is enough.

A Psalm That Strengthens Shaken Faith

Martin Luther experienced unimaginable faith-shaking adversity. When life became difficult, he would sing Psalm 46. He wrote a hymn based on that psalm, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Psalm 46 fortifies our faith.

God Our Refuge in a Hostile World

God is our help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Trouble is inevitable in a world that wars with God and those who are His. We must overcome enemies who hate us and an endless parade of obstacles.

Their united purpose is to derail us from living for God and His purposes. To make matters worse, our sinful nature is on the opposing team. It tries to rally discouragement, fear, doubt, bitterness, and worry against us.

God Is Our Fortress Against Fear

As a child, when I was afraid, I sought refuge underneath the covers of my bed. It worked. The monsters never got me!

Seriously, God is an impenetrable fortress where we can find protection and comfort when arrows, bullets, and bombs are flying all around us. We have no reason to fear.

He is our protector. Even though tornado-like troubles swirl around us, Almighty God is with us. He is enough.

The River of God Brings Inner Peace

Amidst the turmoil, the river of God flows and brings us inner peace (Psalm 46:4). We find our security in Him, despite ground-shaking and unsettling circumstances. He is enough.

We are like a walled city in which God dwells. No one can conquer us by shutting down the supply lines that sustain us. Our source of supply is inside the walls.

God’s grace flows to and in us. That does not mean He immediately eliminates our struggles. But He will deliver us at the opportune time, “at break of day” (Psalm 46:5 NIV). He is enough.

The Lord Who Ends Wars and Rules Nations

Christians believe God is in control. Sometimes, circumstances suggest otherwise. Who could have foreseen the world-shaking COVID-19 pandemic or Russia invading Ukraine?

Despite appearances, the Lord rules. War has a limited shelf life. “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire” (Psalm 46:9 NIV).

Be Still and Rest in God’s Sufficiency

God speaks to His enemies and people, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

His enemies must lay their weapons down at His feet and worship Him. His people must relax and remember that He is God.

They can roll their crushing worries and paralyzing concerns onto His shoulders and find peace in His almighty presence. He is enough.

He cares, and He can. As the God of Jacob, He is the God of compassionate, tender love.

He loves you enough to die on a cross for you. He is the Lord Almighty. He can do whatever He wants.

Nothing can stop Him. So, you can trust Him totally and rest securely in Him. He is enough.

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