by Desiree Bustamante

God always stands by as your refuge.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”
Psalm 46:1-3 New Living Translation

I recently read this Psalm as part of an online Bible study. It’s a familiar Psalm, one that many of us have read. We usually remember verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God.” But today these words stood out to me—”always ready to help in times of trouble.”

We know God will help us, but often we wait until we are in the thick of despair to cry out to Him for help. Yet He tells us in this verse that He is always ready, standing by, at the first sign of any trouble we might have. No matter how small a matter feels or how overwhelming a situation is to us, God is always ready to be our strength and our refuge.

This world frantically chases futile efforts to find peace and safety. Some people try to find a safe place in alcohol and drugs. Some rely on their wealth; others try to control their situation as much as possible. And yet, these refuges will not stand the test. The man-made ivory towers that people run to in times of trouble will not hold up—they will crumble.

But not God. We escape to Him when we’re in danger and He’s there for us. And that’s because, unlike the world’s hideouts, God is strong and able to do something about what troubles us.

Since God is always faithful to help anyone who calls on Him, I urge you not to wait until you are overwhelmed to seek His help. Go to Him when you encounter pain, anxiety, or fear and ask Him to be your strength and your salvation. He is a very present help in trouble.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado