God Is Our Refuge and Strength
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
Where Do You Turn When Life Gets Difficult?
Every family experiences seasons when life feels heavier than expected. There are moments of uncertainty, unexpected problems, financial pressures, relationship struggles, disappointments, and situations we simply cannot control.
When trouble comes, our natural response is often to immediately start looking for a solution. We want to fix the problem, develop a plan, or figure out what happens next.
But Psalm 46:1 gives us somewhere better to turn:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Notice that Scripture doesn't say God keeps us from ever experiencing trouble. Instead, it tells us who God is when trouble comes.
He is our refuge.
He is our strength.
He is our help.
And He is present.
God Is Our Refuge
A refuge is a place of protection and safety. When Scripture calls God our refuge, it reminds us that we can run to Him when life feels overwhelming. Sometimes we run everywhere else first. We run to our own understanding. We run to other people. We run through every possible scenario in our minds. We may even run to Google. Then eventually we remember, "I should probably pray about this." God doesn't want to be our last resort. He wants to be our refuge. We can bring our fears, worries, questions, and struggles directly to Him.
God Is Our Strength
Psalm 46 doesn't simply tell us that God gives strength. It says God is our strength.
There will be moments when our own strength isn't enough. We become tired. We become discouraged. We don't know what to do next.
Those moments can actually become opportunities to depend more deeply on God.
Your family doesn't have to have enough strength for everything you will face. You simply need to know where your strength comes from. God can sustain you when you feel weak and give you courage when you feel afraid.
God Is Present in Your Trouble
One of the most encouraging phrases in Psalm 46:1 is that God is a “very present help in trouble.” God isn't watching your difficult season from a distance. He is with you in it. Whatever your family is facing today, you can bring it to Him. You can pray together, worship together, encourage one another, and remind yourselves of God's faithfulness.
You may not know exactly how your situation will turn out, but you can know who will be with you through it.
God is your refuge.
God is your strength.
God is your very present help.
Family Conversation Starters
Use one of these questions each day to help spark a family conversation:
What does it mean that God is our refuge?
When do you need God’s strength the most?
How does God help us when we are afraid?
Why can we trust God during difficult times?
When have you seen God help our family?
How can we turn to God when we face trouble?
What is something you need God’s help with today?
Worship Together
Listen to One More Day by Elevation Worship & Sons Of Sunday as a family this week.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music & Amazon Music
As you worship, take time to remember the ways God has already carried your family. Whatever you're facing today, worship reminds your heart that your circumstances may change, but the character of God does not.
Scripture
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Prayer
“Lord, You are our refuge and strength. We know that You are a very present help in times of trouble. We submit all of our struggles and worries to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Ready to Go Deeper?
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