In Psalms, chapter forty-six, verses one through two, although we all experience spiritual barrenness at times, as in Psalms forty-four, this is not the norm, for God desires to be near His people with help and comfort. The psalm expresses trust and confidence in God during instability and insecurity. The power and ability to face uncertainties and adversities of life are found in God. “Refuge” pictures a shelter from danger, indicating that God is our security in the storms of life, as in Isaiah five, verse six. “Strength” refers to His might when battling our foes, as in Psalms twenty-one, verse eight, and Exodus fifteen, verse thirteen, and includes the power that works, as in Colossians one, verse twenty-nine, enabling us to overcome life’s obstacles.
The result is that He is “a very present help in trouble.” God is available to His people and wants us to call upon Him for help, as in Hebrews four, verse sixteen. He is sufficient for any situation and never leaves our side; therefore, we need not fear.
The theme under The Presence of God in Calamity depicts God can be our defender and warrior if we call upon Him. Many believers today quote these two verses, but some do not remember when they encounter danger, concern, difficulty, strain, pain, problem, stress, strife, struggle, and suffering. It is easy to say but challenging to believe. What may interfere with a person currently believing in God? Doubt.
Verse three follows the theme in verse two, describing how extreme the trouble can be for any person. No one knows except God how troubling the situation will be for an individual facing a problem. The believer should rely on the Lord and quote these verses during times of need for help, crying out to God for deliverance.