Daily Devotions
Monday, June 23, 2025
Psalm 46:1-3 – 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.
During a natural disaster or a personal crisis, even faithful believers may cry out in prayer, “Where are you, God? Why don’t you stop all of this from happening?” The people of God have been asking questions like that for a very long time. David asks in a psalm, “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1a). Jesus’ disciples, crossing the Sea of Galilee in a storm-tossed boat, woke Jesus with their frantic plea, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38b). Martha confronted Jesus with a grief-stricken accusation, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21b). Jesus Himself cried out from the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46b).
Our psalm describes a series of disasters. The earth gives way. Entire mountain ranges slide into the sea. The ocean roars and foams, so much so that the mountains tremble at the sound. The psalmist’s world is collapsing around him. These disasters are far greater than personal troubles and inward fears—or are they? When we endure endless grief, a frightening diagnosis, the loss of employment, family strife, and so much more, it feels very much like our world is collapsing. We endure these things with faith, but the questions may still come. Does God care? Where is He in all of this?
The psalmist knows the answer: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When the world is collapsing or when our own personal worlds are crumbling, God is our very present help. In these circumstances He is where He has always been and where He will remain. He is right beside us, reliably, certainly, truly present. He is our refuge and strength, our only Source of peace when solid earth gives way beneath our feet. He was present for the psalmist who longed to know when his troubles would end. The Son of God was present in the boat with His frightened disciples. The Lord was present for Mary and Martha as He called their brother Lazarus out of the tomb. God the Father was present even as He abandoned His Son to the suffering of the cross for the sake of our salvation. God was present in strength and power on the first Easter morning, raising His Son to life in triumph over death. The Lord is present in His Word. Jesus is present in His body and blood in His holy Supper. Wherever we are, whatever we must endure, even when the world collapses around us, God is our very present help. He loves us. Where else would He be?
WE PRAY: Lord, whatever happens, I know that You will be present with me. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
- Can you remember a time when God helped you, calmed you in the midst of a real disaster?
- Besides the examples above, can you think of other Bible stories where people called out to God for help?
- When was the last time you took comfort and strength in receiving Holy Communion?
Today's Readings:
Song 4-5Acts 7:1-21