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I've been thinking all week about Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields [b] with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah


What does it mean to you that God is a refuge and a fortress? How does it affect the way you live your everyday life?

Comments

Sheila said…
It means I can count on Him to keep me from ruin, often times as the result of my own choices. Though He lets me feel the consequences, He does not give me over to a life of ruin when I run to Him. He is always faithful, though He has every right to reject me, to embrace me instead!

His mercy keeps me like a strong tower! Satan can't break past His mercy!

In everyday life clinging to this truth helps me to be a place of refuge for others in my life. It motivates me to live a life that, though I seek to live in the holiness God calls me too, invites others who aren't (just like I don't always)to feel they don't have to pretend or walk on eggshells around me. I think of my husband, who does not know the Lord... when I remember that God is my refuge, though He is perfect in all His ways and I am not and He welcomes me into to His loving arms, I want to welcome my husband into my life.

I love meditating on the Psalms!
sheila
The Olson's: said…
I love this passage. It has been a support for me during many difficult times. "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." There is so much power in that verse. Even though the worst things happen, we will NOT fear!

At this time, it means that although God is calling us (my husband & I) on a different path than our church we can stand strong knowing that He is our strength and that He will help us.

This weekend, I heard it said that "Selah" means to pause /to ponder. I love that!

Thanks for sharing your heart!
~ Leanne
Unknown said…
It means that my eternity is secure. That even when I wrestle against flesh, my soul has a place that is secure, not by my own doing, but through God's mighty power. I do not need to fear what might happen to this earthly body because He is my strength and strong tower.
Julie said…
It means that I don't have to protect myself...He will protect me. His fortress is encompassing...is it secure... It cannot be penetrated....

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