God is Our Refuge and Strength

Be still and know!

I have something a little special to me that I want to share with you this week. Last Sunday, my husband preached on Psalm 46. (I’ve been listening to him preach for 35 years, and I still am blessed by every message!)

After the service, one of the teenage girls came up to me with a sparkle in her eyes. She said, “Oh, Mrs. Berg, look at this!” She showed me this picture (below) on her phone of the words of Psalm 46:1 across a lovely landscape view.

She’d made the image and sent it to her family group chat the day before—without knowing that my husband would preach from that very verse!

We both marveled at how amazing God is and how the Spirit of God works among us. No coincidence, just a beautiful reminder of His real presence and how He unites our hearts when we listen. He is not just my refuge—He’s our refuge. And He is so present in our lives that even in these little moments, we can see His hand at work, weaving our hearts together.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

We know this verse, but sometimes we forget how deeply it speaks to our everyday lives. God is our safe place—a refuge we can always run to when trouble comes knocking. He’s not just an idea or a distant hope. He is right here, a very present help—our source of peace and strength when everything else seems to be shaking.

Psalm 46 describes a world in turmoil—mountains trembling, waters roaring, nations raging—and yet in the middle of all that, we find this promise: “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God…” It’s a picture of the peace that God brings to His people, no matter how fierce the storms surrounding us.

And tucked within this chapter, verse 5 says, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” It’s such a comforting reminder that even when the storm is raging, we don’t have to fear. God is right there in the middle of it with us, holding us steady and giving us the strength to stand firm. He doesn’t just watch from afar—He’s present in the storm, our very present help.

Have you ever felt like God was running late, and you wish He’d hurry up and help? I know I have—more than once! He’s had to remind me that He never runs late. He’s not just on time, but early. When I can’t feel Him working, it’s never because He’s absent. It’s me—I either don’t trust His plan or I haven’t taken the time to bask in His presence. He’s there. I’m just spending too much time with my eyes on everything but Him.

I especially love how the chapter ends:
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Those words—Be still and know that I am God—are like a gentle whisper to my soul. In the middle of swirling uncertainties and noise, He calls me to stop, breathe, and remember that He is still on the throne. He is still my refuge. He is still my strength.

So today, let me encourage you: When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise and troubles of this world, or the challenges you’re facing in your own daily life, run to the One who is your safe place. Be still and know that He is God. Rest in His strength and let Him quiet your soul.

Blessings and love,
Angie

P.S. Have you seen God’s hand at work in your own life this week? Share your story in the comments below. I read every one of them, and would love to hear yours!