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 Sarah Jenkins. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021) and The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
