“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 doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
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:
Dost 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.”
Martin Luther is credited for writing the Reformation hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” between 1527 and 1529. Many churches will sing this song tomorrow on Reformation Sunday. The hymn was inspired by Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Luther paraphrases concepts from this psalm about God being a stronghold and refuge for his people amid life’s trials. Castles and fortresses were common in Germany and Luther compares God’s protection during the conflicts of the Reformation to such a castle. A fortress provided safety and protection for a town or city from attacking forces. The metaphor conveys the idea of our God as a strong defense against evil. Just as people ran to a fortress that shielded a city from harm and prevailed against a siege, God provides an unfailing refuge for His followers amid life’s hardships and trials.
We might reflect on where people run when they feel life is against them. Many run to alcohol or drugs, shopping malls or the Internet, and places that distracts from the pain of life. Let us listen to the song and remember that our God is a mighty fortress, a strong castle, a place of refuge and strength. We can always run to him. Thank you, Lord.
On the Way to Wonder 