“God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.  That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves.” (Psalm 46:1-3, CEB)

Refuge...  Strength...  Two very powerful words used by the ancient psalm writer to describe God!

Refuge.  At times God is our protector… shields, comforts, and provides.  Sometimes we talk about being wrapped up or carried in the arms of God.  Maybe that’s one way of getting at what it means for God to be our refuge. 

Strength.  At times God is our warrior… fights, battles, and overcomes. Sometimes we talk about knowing God has already won the victory.  Maybe that’s one way of getting at what in means for God to be our strength.

The good news of Psalm 46 is that God, our refuge and strength, is always near to help!  And that’s especially true in times of great trouble, when the foundation of our world and lives falls apart, when the mountains of safety we’ve built for ourselves crumble, and when the waters of chaos and uncertainty roar around us.  Any of that sound familiar?

I invite you to pray the words of Psalm 46:1 as a “breath prayer.”  1) Take a deep breath and pray the first phrase: “God is my refuge and strength” as you exhale. Take another deep breath and pray the second phrase: “A help always near in times of great trouble,” as you exhale again. 

Whenever you find yourself in a place/time when your world seems to be falling apart… maybe even right now… pray Psalm 46:1 as a breath prayer.  Pray it as many times in a row and as often as you need to in order to become aware of the presence of the living God with you that is both your refuge/protector and your strength/warrior.