1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling
Psalms 46:1-3
These very familiar words are ones I often incorporate into my prayers as I pray aloud for loved ones, friends, or congregation members who are facing some proverbial “storms” in this life. These words from Psalm 46 are words that inspired Luther to write the famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” They speak of such confidence and strength. They call us to lives without fear, lives that laugh in the face of adversity, danger, turmoil and strife.
But how can the pslamist speak with such confidence? Is the Lord really present in every trouble? When natural disasters destroy homes and property, is the Lord really an ever-present help? When world leaders abandon Biblical morals and bow down to man-made idols, is God truly a refuge and strength? When Christians are persecuted and killed for their beliefs, ostracized for their teachings, and when secular and demonic wisdom rules the day, should we really not fear?
The answer of the Reformation is a resounding YES! Even in these days of our world, the Lord still reigns supreme. These words from Psalm 46 are also the appointed Psalm for Reformation Day, a church festival that we will celebrate this coming Sunday here at Redeemer. On this day, Lutheran and other protestant christians celebrate the strength of God’s Word, combined with his amazing grace given to us through faith, apart from anything we have done.
As bad as things may seem in our world today, it is in reality only more of the same sinful world. In Martin Luther’s day, and the time of the Protestant reformation, many plagues threatened health and life on a daily basis. Additionally, the church itself was conspiring to rob the poor of their only means by charging for the gift of eternal life through the selling of indulgences. Indeed, as dark as days seem to be today, they have always throughout the church’s history, been dark.
But this is why we return with Luther, every Reformation Day and truly every Sunday, to the reality that does not change concerning the truth of Psalm 46. God is indeed our refuge and strength. He is our ever present help in trouble. And though the world seems to be in upheaval – he has given peace and promised rest in and through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross of calvary. The reformation, and always, may we celebrate our refuge and strength, King Jesus himself, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Luther’s Evening Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.