“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1–3, ESV)

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

I have often found comfort in Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I love that God is near when there is trouble. When the whole world around me is crumbling, God is near. But he isn’t just close by watching, wringing his hands, dismayed at the disaster that has fallen. He is near and helping.

God is our refuge. He is our place to hide and rest when the world is falling apart. He is our safety and our protection. We are eternally secure in him no matter what befalls. Even if the very ground we walk on should fall out from under us, we will be safe in him.

I was in Louisiana after a hurricane with a disaster relief team. Trees had been uprooted, buildings were growing mold, power outages were rampant, and people were without food. Our team set up, and we cooked for hundreds of people every night. It was an incredible time.

God was near, and he was working in miraculous ways. We did not need to fear even though the earth had moved under the weight of the ancient trees toppling and falling buildings crashing down. The water had roared and foamed, and yet God was near. God was a very present help. Resources were coming from far and wide, volunteers came flooding in, and the Gospel of Truth was being preached. It was a busy, hard and fruitful time.

The best part was at night. After an exhausting day, we would get still. Our site would get quiet. We would focus on God’s presence and kindness. In those moments of calm, we would exalt God. We would praise him for his marvellous works. When we would get still, we had time to recognize God in his power and majesty.

God was exalted far and wide throughout nations as we texted, emailed, and asked for prayer from friends and loved ones far and wide. The stories of salvation and God’s goodness were shared all over the world through our witness and by the media. The Lord God Almighty was exalted among the nations.

I reflected on this time as I read Psalm 46. The trouble was devastating and yet God was there in our midst. He was very near during this time of trouble. And as we found stillness and quiet in him, he was exalted.

Today in my struggles and problems, Lord, let me be still and know that you are God. Let your name be exalted among the nations.