When trouble comes you need a refuge. A refuge is "a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble." Can you honestly say, "God is my refuge?" The sons of Korah declared it three times in Psalm 46. They also employed the word translated "Selah" three times, thus forming three divisions of this beloved Psalm. "Selah" most likely means "pause and think about that." Let's pause and think about three pictures encased in this Psalm.

Pause and think about the assuring presence of God (Psalm 46:1-3). "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah" Here's a picture of a personal reliance upon God for our welfare. The words "even though" mean we are to rely upon God regardless!

Pause and think about the abundant provision of God (Psalm 46:4-7). "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah" Here's a picture of a personal relationship with God through our worship. "The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High" is a place of worship. True worship must come from the context of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Pause and think about the almighty practice of God (Psalm 46:8-11). "Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah" Here's a picture of a personal relinquishment to God in our warfare. In verse ten to "be still" means "to stop striving, to let go, surrender." The second stanza of Martin Luther's great hymn based on Psalm 46 titled "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" emphasizes this truth:

Did we in our own strength confide,

Without a doubt here's something to pause and think about.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.