I find Psalm 46 to be most comforting, despite the turbulent times in which we live, because there we are assured that God Himself is our refuge, come what may in this world. Today, do we not see the unbelievers raging everywhere we look, and isn’t faith in the Lord being challenged on every side? We see wars and mass killings, severe weather events, and all manner of terrible diseases; and these events seem to be growing in number and intensity by the day.

On top of that, it seems that all that is right and true in our world is now being questioned, so that everything as it should be is being turned upside down by the prince of this world. Surely, these are the signs of the nearness of the end times. But God has a wonderful plan for blessing for His own, and so believers need not fear. We read in Psalm 46:1–2, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Despite all the stormy trials of our day, the truth of God’s love and care for His people shines brightly through the darkest hours.

How is it with you just now? Perhaps, you are walking a path that is fraught with difficulties, where the days seem endlessly troubled, and the cup before you seems exceedingly bitter. Perhaps the clouds of sorrow are mounting for you with the passing of each day, and relief seems only a fading hope. Take heart! Every believer on the Lord Jesus Christ can rest with a quiet spirit even in the midst of great trials, seeing that our Father’s purposes are sure, and His loving plan for His own never fails: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Ps. 46:10–11).