Where do we turn when we feel threatened?

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

In American society as people become more and more broken, they are turning to “quick fixes” to numb their pain. These “quick fixes” are often addictive. They may be a feeling, a behavior, or a substance. Instead of turning to the Lord when we are hurting or threatened, we turn to that which leads us farther away from the Lord.  

The more broken and vulnerable we feel, the more easily we are threatened. In Psalm 46, the Psalmist was feeling extremely threatened as he faced dangerous calamities such as a storm-tossed sea or an earthquake (46:2-3) or even opposition from God’s enemies (46:6, 8a, 9). Instead of turning to an idol or to his own fleshly desires to comfort himself, he chose to turn to the Lord Who was his “refuge” and “strength.”

The word for “refuge” (machaseh) refers to a shelter from danger or a place of trust. God was his refuge. The Psalmist was not threatened by God’s presence. The Lord was no danger to his well-being. Instead, God provided safety for the Psalmist and He wants to do the same for you and me.

When the Psalmist says God is his “strength,” this word (oz) refers to a mighty fortress or stronghold. This verse may have inspired Martin Luther to write the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” When our faith rests in God, He gives us the security we long for in the face of danger. He defends us from the attacks of the enemy.

Sometimes we face physical dangers such as a gunman opening fire on a church or a terrible winter blizzard. But sometimes the dangers we encounter are of an emotional or spiritual nature. Certain triggers in our lives such as a smell or a sound can access feelings and even memories that cause us to feel very insecure and threatened because of unresolved trauma in our lives. Where will we turn when these triggers take place?

The Psalmist encourages us to turn to “the Lord of hosts” (46:7, 11), the Commander of heaven’s angelic armies, Whose abiding presence in our lives is a great source of safety and security. God is a “very present” (meod matsa) or abundantly available source of “help” (assistance) during these threatening times (46:1). Those we would normally turn to for safety and security (ex. police, family, friends, etc.) are not always available to help us at the moment of our need. But God is “abundantly available” for you and for me. He is never too busy or overwhelmed running the universe to give us His assistance in our time of need.

Two artists set out to paint a picture representing perfect peace. The first painted a canvas depicting a carefree boy relaxing in a boat on a little placid lake without a ripple to disturb the surface. The second artist painted a raging waterfall with winds whipping the spray about. But on a branch of a tree overhanging the swirling waters a bird had built its nest and it sat peacefully brooding over her eggs. Here she was safe from her predatory enemies, shielded and protected by the roaring waterfall. This is real peace – the result of remaining calm in the midst of raging trials and difficulties in life. And this is the peace and calm that the Lord of hosts can give to us when our faith rests upon Him.  

Let’s make 2020 the year we turn to God for the safety and security we need during times when we are threatened. His abiding presence is more than enough to calm our fears and strengthen our faith.

Prayer: O Lord of all of heaven’s angelic armies, thank You for always being available to give me the safety and security I need when I feel threatened. Your comforting presence motivates me to rest in Your loving arms even when my world seems to be falling apart. Although my emotions and circumstances are always changing, Your abiding presence in my life calms my fears and bolsters my faith. You alone are worthy of my complete trust and allegiance. I love You precious Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.