“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea” – Psalm 46:1-2 

Psalm 46 inspired Martin Luther to compose the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”  All of us encounter times in our lives, times in our day, when we need to know that we can find shelter in grace.  The experience of feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or simply exhausted is shared by every person on the planet.  We all need to know there is a place of refuge we can go to, and a source of strength that we rely upon.  My hope is that reading/praying this Psalm today would be a very present help.

I encourage you to find a quiet space for prayer where you can focus on the scripture, hear yourself, and connect to God.  May Nan Merrill’s interpretation of Psalm 46 from her book Psalms for Praying breathe new life into you from this ancient wisdom.

The Beloved is our refuge and our strength, a Loving Presence in times of trouble.
Therefore we need not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the Holy City, the holy habitation of the Most High.
The Beloved is in the midst of it, it shall not be moved; Our loving Creator is an ever-present help.
The nations may be at war, countries left in ruins, yet is the Voice of the Almighty heard, slowly breaking through hearts of stone.
The Beloved is ever with us, the infinite Heart of Love.
Come, behold the works of the Beloved, how love does reign even in humanity’s desolation.  For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease, shining light into fearful hearts; loving even those who oppress the weak, refining hearts of steel.
“Be still and know that I am Love.
Awaken! Befriend justice and mercy; Do you not know you bear my Love?
Who among you will respond?”
Blessed One, You know all hearts, You are ever with us; may Love ever guide our lives!