Two Realities

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” —Psalm 91:2

Throughout Psalm 46, the psalmist continually points to two realities of life that are ever-present. The first is God; the second is trouble.

Trouble is referred to explicitly in verse 1, but it’s also implied as the psalmist describes the need for refuge, strength, and help. We all have trouble; it’s an inevitable reality in a fallen world. Sometimes our problems are huge and unexpected and come at us like a tsunami. Other times they’re chronic, creeping, and cumulative.

Yet it’s our troubles that point us to the other reality, apart from which we couldn’t survive— God. He’s the One who is our refuge and our strength. He’s a fixed reference point in a world of shifting circumstances. He’s more real than any circumstance that may touch our lives this day or in the days to come.

In whatever troubles you’re facing, take comfort in knowing that nothing happens outside of the Lord’s knowledge and His control. By Him all things hold together—and that includes you and me.