🏳️‍🌈✝️ Therefore We Will Not Fear

Written by Suzanne Benner

06/03/2018

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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” - Psalm 46:1-3 

God used this psalm to teach me a powerful lesson. Even a decade later, every time I hear these words, that practical example comes to mind. When our children were young, we helped them memorize various psalms at bedtime. So, one evening in June, my daughter and I began to learn Psalm 46.

The next morning, the phone rang during the rush of getting kids ready for school. My dad had a heart attack. As soon as I sent the kids out the door, I jumped in my car and headed toward the hospital. Fear held me in its grip, flooding my thoughts with every worst-case scenario.
Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of the words of Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” God’s words — stored in my heart — spoke to my troubled thoughts.

I began to repeat the verses aloud as I drove. Over and over I declared the truth. Each time I did, the phrase, “Therefore we will not fear,” became more emphatic. The words of comfort became an urgent command.

God instructed me through His Word. He said, “Do not be afraid. Do not let your mind dwell on what might happen. Because I am your refuge, you must not give in to fear.” God’s peace and power filled me, allowing me to rest in Him. Like never before, I experienced the importance of hiding God’s Word in my heart.

Sad and painful things will happen, but God is our ever-present hope.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are my refuge and strength. When everything crashes around me, you are with me. Thank you for the power of your Word to comfort and direct me. Help me to treasure your Word in my heart. Amen.

Go Deeper — When troubles make fear rise, command your heart and mind not to fear by reading Psalm 46. When things are going well, discipline yourself to store up (memorize) God’s Word in your heart, so that you will be prepared when hard times come.

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