God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
The first time that I was really made aware of this Psalm was at a Guild of Organists’ choral concert of ”Psalms” at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis. It was a most powerful statement played on the big organ and with orchestra accompaniment. The whole Psalm was magnificent.
Many people have learned to pray by praying the Psalms. The Hebrews are responsible for writing them. Jesus would have prayed the Psalms.
God is available to us at all times through prayer. We can imagine Him with arms open and just waiting for us to come to him. Another translation of this same verse says “God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.” (Eugene H. Peterson, The Message )
Our life on earth includes moments of insecurity and loneliness. During these moments man has been able to recognize and turn to the Lord. That ability is man’s greatest help. The lonely man needs refuge, and the insecure man needs strength and help.
This particular psalm is sometimes called “Martin Luther’s Psalm.” It is thought that his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” might have been based on this Psalm.
Priscilla W. Hardesty
