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Martin Luther based his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” on Psalm 46. Have you ever had the experience of singing in a large group of people? I have many times. As the room shakes with the voices of soaring voices, hearts are lifted heavenward in celebration of our Great Protector! In Psalm 46 God is described as “The Lord of Hosts” (hosts = armies), who “is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), or put simply, “our fortress” (Psalm 46:7, 11).
Psalm 46:2 says, “Therefore, we will not fear.” Despite upheaval going all around us (“the earth gives way” and “waters roar” and “the mountains tremble”; Psalm 46:2-3), we are secured because God is in control. And yet, when trouble comes, disaster strikes, or temptations arise, we usually trust in our own strength. Instead of looking to the Lord, we look to ourselves.
Psalm 46 turns our attention upward. It raises our eyes to “the city of God” (Psalm 46:4) and to “God in the midst of her” (Psalm 46:5). We are called to “behold the works of the Lord” (Psalm 46:8). He rules the world. He is the mighty Warrior, winning all the wars. He will be exalted in the earth.
As Christians, we have victory in Jesus, who is always with us (Matt. 1:23; 28:20) and has overcome the world (John 16:33). Through faith in Him, we too have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). There is nothing in this world that can separate us from Christ’s protective love. Tribulations, distress, persecutions, and dangers may come our way, but they will not be the end of us. The powers of earthly rules, cosmic forces, and even death cannot knock down our mighty fortress. Our security is set. Our victory is certain. We need not fear. Romans 8:37, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
