Psalms 46-48 are hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe. Psalm 46 may have been written when the Assyrian army invaded the land and surrounded Jerusalem. (2 Kings 18:13-19:37) King Sennacherib of Assyria retaliated against King Hezekiah and the people of Judah because of their failure to pay an annual tribute. The King of Assyria posed this question to King Hezekiah: “Who are you trusting to save you? Nothing can save you from my power.” (2 Kings 18:19-20) During difficult even deadly times, it is good to know that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps 46:1) It does not matter how dire the circumstances may appear. For Hezekiah and the people of Judah, the outcome appeared bleak, nonetheless the people could say: “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and through the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (v2) Although there is the specter of total destruction, the child of God is confident that He is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace.
God’s power is complete and His ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love and trust Him. When it appeared the situation was hopeless, Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed. (2 Kings 19:1) God answered Hezekiah’s prayer and delivered Judah. (2 Kings 19:35-36)
Dear ones, always let prayer be our first response in any crisis. Why? Because God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
