God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
So much depends on who God is and what exactly He offers to us. While there are so many who assume that God promises to give them whatever they ask for, there are also so many who expect very little of Him. The problem in both cases is a failure to know God at all well. This psalm can help deal with that.
The author of this psalm identifies some things about God. First, He is a refuge, a shelter, a place of protection. For those who are weak and harried by the evils of this world, knowing that there is a place of protection makes a difference. It gives hope. 'Maybe I will survive this after all.'
Our God is not just a shelter. He is also our strength. For so many issues facing us the key is simply endurance. It's once again being confronted by some problem but not giving up out of sheer weariness. We are given the ability to deal with that issue again - and again, if necessary. Our God gives strength to continue on.
Refuge and strength. These are gifts from our God. But they are not gifts sent from afar. We are sheltered and we have the ability to endure because our God is near. He is present with us. Whatever the situation, whenever the time, He is near. Immanuel.
Those who have come to know Jesus as refuge and strength are able to deal with life - not just to get by but to thrive. Even in the midst of hardship and sorrow these shine. What distinguishes them is not that they are always happy and up. No, what shines in them is a sense of joy in what Jesus is doing as He provides refuge and strength.