Psalm 46:1-4
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
One of the favorite hymns that came out of the Reformation, we celebrate tomorrow, was written by Martin Luther. Luther wanted to make scripture accessible to his congregation and so took this favorite tune and fashioned a song that picked up the tensions we experience in this world and the truth that opens Psalm 46. Perhaps you don’t see life in the images of struggle lime the hymn but for many life is a battle with evil and a struggle to find a loving God. Let us listen and then read the words and meditate on their truth for our day. Blessings.
1 A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
2 Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same; and he must win the battle.
3 And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.
4 That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!
On the Way to Wonder 