God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

— Psalm 46:1

Read that passage slowly. Let each word sink in.

GOD —

the mighty, powerful, just, loving, and kind Creator — is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God is our REFUGE —

our safe place. The place we run to when life hits hard. He’s where we hide when the storm rages, and the One who holds us steady when everything feels uncertain.

God is our refuge and STRENGTH —

the mighty One who gives us power when we’ve reached the end of ourselves. He’s the One who lifts us up so we can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. He is our strength — a very present help in trouble.

God is our refuge and strength, a VERY…

In Hebrew, this word acts like an exclamation point — an intensifier. Strong’s describes it with words like diligently, especially, exceedingly, greatly, louder and louder. God isn’t just present — He is very present — fully engaged, completely aware, and actively working on our behalf.

God is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT…

He’s not far away. Not apathetic. Not too busy. He’s right here — near to the brokenhearted, walking beside us in every trial.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present HELP…

The Hebrew word for “help” means assistance, support, or aid. In Scripture, it’s almost always used of God helping His people. But sometimes it’s used to show when His people turned elsewhere for help — to human alliances or other sources — instead of to Him. God saw that as a betrayal of trust.

So when trouble comes, where do we turn first?
To our insight? Our ideas? The internet? AI? Other people?
These can all be resources, but they are not the Source. God is our true help — and He may use these things, but the strength and wisdom come from Him alone.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in TROUBLE.

This Hebrew word carries the meanings of adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, and tribulation.

When you face adversity, affliction, or distress — God wants you to come to Him first.
Yes, we live in an age overflowing with information and resources. That can be a blessing, but it can also be a distraction. God uses many tools to bring help, but He alone is the Source of life and strength.

So today, pause and ask yourself:

What are you facing that you need to go to God about?

He is near. He is strong. He is your refuge and your help — right now, in whatever you’re walking through.