Yahweh, Our Refuge and Strength

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear....”

{Psalm 46:1-2a}

This poem is an adaptation of one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 46. What a comfort it is to know that God is both our refuge—a God of safety to whom we can run when we are in trouble—and our strength—the One who goes out with us into battle. It is for this reason that, even in the midst of wars, conflicts, chaos, and confusion, we can be still (v. 10) and not fear (v. 2). Our God will be exalted among the nations!

God, You are my refuge; my soul is secure,

Through every battle I know I’ll endure.

Though the earth be removed and its kings no more be,

And the mountains be cast into the heart of the sea,

Even then shall our souls have nothing to fear,

For Yahweh, our refuge and fortress is here.

In the city of God, there is a river that flows;

She is glad, for the Presence of Yahweh she knows.

Though the nations were raging and we could not rejoice,

You defeated them all with the sound of Your voice.

So come, and the wonders of Yahweh behold—

His victory is too great to be left untold!

He brings desolation, causes conflict to cease,

Makes an end of our weapons and heals our disease.

Be still…this the call from our God who’s on high,

…and know that Yahweh, your Father, is nigh.

All the nations will see what He’s done with His hand,

And our God will be praised in every land.

The Lord of the armies dispels all our fears,

For Yahweh, our refuge and fortress, is here.