Experiencing God's Power and PresenceSample

When You Are Gripped by Fear

In the margins of my Bible next to Psalm 46 is a note written in green ink: “Duke Medical Center, 2/19/92. (Mom’s dying.)” I remember writing it, and I remember how desperately I immersed myself in the words of this psalm. I needed God to be my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. I needed to get free from the grip of fear. 

Imagine an ocean surging in the violent winds of a hurricane, its waters roaring and foaming. That’s how I felt, and that’s the image the psalmist gives us of his turmoil. It’s a dangerous and forceful predicament, and his instinct is to turn to God as his refuge. Even in such tumultuous times, God is right there with us.

This psalm reveals three ways God wants to support us in the storms of our lives: (1) He is our refuge, our protection from the external forces surrounding us. He doesn’t always remove those forces, but he wraps his arms around us and becomes a refuge greater than any fortress or shelter. (2) He is our strength—an internal power to endure in the moment at hand. He does not store up this strength for tomorrow; he gives us grace only for today. Tomorrow he will give it for tomorrow. He gives grace every day we need it. (3) He is a very present help in times of trouble. No matter how unexpected and overwhelming our circumstances are, he is readily available. 

The Gospels give us a wonderful picture of this ever-present, sheltering, strengthening God. A violent storm came upon the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were terrified. They woke Jesus up—somehow he was able to sleep as waves crashed around them—and he calmed the storm. He was there in the boat with them, offering his strength and protection—just as he is with us today.

God wants you to know that he is for you. He is on your side. He is not waiting for you to mess up so he can correct you. He is here for you, even when you are gripped by fear—your only true security in whatever situation you face.