392. PSA 46:1. GOD THE REFUGE OF HIS PEOPLE

Psa_46:1. God the Refuge of His People

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."’97Psa_46:1.

This world has often been likened to the sea, ever restless and agitated; liable to storms and tempests, and where myriads have been engulfed and lost forever. The Christian is a spiritual mariner, on this sea he is sailing, and he must cross it before he can reach the haven of eternal rest.

I. Notice what the Text Implies.

Now (refuge implies) danger, (strength) weakness. (life of man) trouble.

1. Danger.

This is placed frequently before us in the Divine Word; he is in danger from the wicked one, from ungodly men, from evils of his nature. He is a pilgrim, exposed to the thieves and robbers; he is a mariner, exposed to pirates; he is a soldier, exposed to hostile foes. Now this danger is the lot of all God’s people, and it is coexistent with the Christian’s life; it is incessant and perpetual danger.

2. Weakness.

Now this weakness has been felt and confessed by the most pious and devout; the more grace we possess, the more it will be experienced; a sense of it is indispensable to safety "When I am weak," &c. Christ clearly taught it, "Without me," &c. We find it when,

(1) Great duties are to be performed

(2) Great sacrifices made.

(3) Great temptations resisted.

3. Trouble.

Man is born to it. Good men have their peculiar ones; "It is through much tribulation," &c. "Many are the afflictions," &c.; grace does not exempt the mind under its influences.

II. What the Text affirms.

1. God is our refuge in danger.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower," &c.; "He is the fortress and garrison;" the haven in time of storm. As a refuge he is all-sufficient; As the walls were round, &c.; "Wall of fire," &c.; "Who shall harm," &c.; "If God be for us," &c.

2. God is our strength in weakness.

He fortifies the mind; he gives energy and power to the soul; in him we have ability for all things; "I can do all things," &c. This is according to his promise. "I will strengthen," &c.; "he giveth power," &c.

3. God is our help in trouble.

(1) He helps us to bear them.

(2) He helps us out of them,’97delivers us.

(3) He sanctifies them unto us, makes them yield real good; "All things," &c. Now God is a "present help," help new when we need him.

Application

1. Learn the importance of self-renunciation.

2. Constantly depend upon God.

3. How wretched the state of the ungodly amid the afflictions of this life!

Autor: JABEZ BURNS