Stronger Than My Trouble

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

I COULD HAVE DONE THIS ALL DAY. I was a child on full blast at the ocean’s shore. I started out knee-deep, jumping the waves right before they hit, feeling like a little Olympian who was conquering the mighty ocean, wave after wave. But after hours of this, I grew braver. I went out a bit farther, catching the waves, body surfing, and enjoying every minute of it. My dad was nearby, also yuckin’ it up in the surf.

But then it hit me. Like a tidal wave. And I was under, spinning, dragging, swirling. I was in a blur of salt water, sand, and seaweed, trying to fight my way to the surface. My dad was there before I knew it, thank God. He pulled me right-side up from under the waves as I coughed up salt water and cried salty tears.

I always think about this moment with my dad when I read Psalm 46. My dad was physically present in my trouble. He was stronger than my trouble, a refuge for me in the turbulent waves. He pulled me up into his arms, into safety. He was a direct reflection of our heavenly Father, who is so very present, a tower of strength in towering waves.

Psalm 46 is a picture of God’s presence in the presence of trouble. Many psalms start with a problem or complaint, but this one starts with God’s character. The psalmist speaks of God’s presence—of His being our refuge, shelter, safety, and protection. When we talk about an almighty God being strong, then we are talking about an almighty strength that must be stronger than the trouble at hand. It’s the strength that pulled Jesus from the grave, put death in its place, and set to shame all the rulers and authorities set up against Him. That strength is present in us, whatever trouble comes our way. When we are hit by deep waves, He is with us as a refuge, strength, and present help.

Sister, what is troubling you today? Come under the safety, protection, and refuge of our God. You are safe in Him. He brings peace that goes beyond understanding, and all wisdom and knowledge and understanding are His. Run to Him today. Only in Jesus is there safety, shelter, and strength. Grace tells us that when troubling waves tower over us, we are safe in the immovable Tower Himself.

GRACE REFLECTION: Pray with me, “God, You are a refuge in my deepest trouble. And You are stronger than the trouble surrounding me. You are with me. Help me to know and believe this today. Amen.”