It was this precious psalm that was the inspiration for Martin Luther to write his well-known hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”  This psalm offers hope and confidence to the believer.  Verses 1-3 tell us, “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

The psalmist (we do not know who wrote this psalm) realized that man’s might, or a strong army, or a fortified city was not qualified to be their refuge and source of strength.  No, it was the Lord Himself who was their protector and guide.  He was, and is, a very present help when we are troubled.  Since He is our protector, there is no need for us to worry.  Even if the world begins to fall apart, God is our source of peace and help. 

This psalm can be properly divided into three parts, each one ending with the word, “SELAH”, which is a musical notation indicating there is to be a rest when we see the word Selah.  To us, this should prompt us to stop our reading and meditate on the portion just read.  Afterwards, we can return to our reading.

The divisions of this chapter are:

*  Verses 1-3 – God is our refuge and strength

*  Verses 4-7 – The Lord’s coming in power and glory

*  Verses 8-11 – That which follows the Lord’s manifestation

Let’s consider the words of encouragement to His people in verse 5, “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” (NKJV).  Because the Lord is in our midst, we shall not be moved, or cast off.  He comes to our rescue to help in our time of trouble when we look to Him as our refuge and strength.  We read in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED.” The Lord comes to us early in the morning.  He comes “at the break of dawn.”  The Lord does not hesitate to minister to our needs according to His perfect timing. 

This psalm ends with these reassuring words, “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. Selah.” (Verses 10-11).  How we need to learn to stop our own useless efforts and take time to realize who our God is.  He is the one who can keep us, guide us, and make us to be ‘more than conquerors.” (Romans 8:37).  (382.2)