God Is Our Refuge and Strength: Trusting Him in Life’s Storms
Faith Foundations Series – Part 3
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
When Life Feels Unsteady, God Is Unshakable
Have you ever had one of those moments where everything changes in an instant? It could be a somber phone call carrying sad news or a doctor’s diagnosis. It could be an unexpected situation that brings fear to the surface and makes you wonder, “Where is my safe place now?” It’s in those moments that Psalm 46:1 reminds us—God is our refuge. When life shakes us, He is the unshakable shelter we can run to.
I remember getting that call from my son. His voice was shaking—his wife was going into labor, but it was too early. The baby wasn’t due until December. It was only September 2022.
Fear flooded our hearts. I had been through four miscarriages in the past, all during the first trimester. But this time, knowing my son and his wife were facing a similar struggle in the second trimester—it broke something deep inside me.
All I could do was pray. The verse that came to my mind and stayed in my spirit was:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
And truly, He was.
The baby was born early and placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for months. It was a season of uncertainty, prayers, and tears—but also a season of deep faith. We trusted God through every beep of the monitors, every report, every step.
And today, we rejoice.
That tiny baby not only survived—he thrived. He just graduated from all his developmental appointments. He is healthy and flourishing.
Only God could do this. And we thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness.
What This Means for You
Friend, I don’t know what storm you’re walking through today, but I do know this:
God is not far. He is near. Right now. Right where you are.
Psalm 46:1 isn’t just a verse—it’s a source of strength to hold onto with both hands, especially when life feels like it’s falling apart. It reminds us that God is not only with us but also actively protecting and strengthening us through life challenges. When you’re unsure where to turn, let this verse remind you that your safe place has a name—and it’s Jesus.
God isn’t waiting for the trouble to pass before He steps in. He is present—in the middle of it.
When your strength is gone, He is your strength.
When fear surrounds you, He is your refuge.
When you feel helpless, He is your help.
And He doesn’t need perfect faith to show up—He just needs a heart willing to trust.
When we’re honest with our fears, God meets us with peace. When we pour out our prayers, He pours in His presence. That’s the kind of God He is: personal, faithful, loving, and always on time.
Stories That Strengthen Our Faith
So many women quietly carry fears about their children, their marriages, their health, or their future. You’re not alone in that. God sees every silent prayer and hidden tear.
Just like He carried me through that season with my grandson, He’s able to carry you through your pain, suffering, and uncertainties.
We don’t always understand the why—but we can trust the Who.
God doesn’t promise a storm-free life, but He promises to be with us in the storm—just like when Jesus calmed the wind and waves in Mark 4:39. This reminds us that His presence is our peace, even in chaos. His presence is our anchor.
Let that sink in: God is not watching from a distance. He is in it with you.
And just like He gave me a testimony of victory through that NICU journey, He’s also preparing a story of grace for you. Hold on. Compose yourself. Don’t give up. And trust Him.
You Can Depend on Him
This verse—Psalm 46:1—is a foundation block for every believer. It reminds us that God is not just a helper; He is our first response, not our last resort.
Too often, we run to people, plans, or panic before we run to the Lord. But real peace comes when we learn to pause, breathe, and say: “God, I trust You with this.”
Whether the trouble is big or small, He doesn’t measure the size of the problem. He just shows up with the full force of His love and power.
When you feel weak—He is your strength.
When the world shakes around you—He is your refuge.
When you don’t know what to do next—He is your guidance.
This is not just for perfect Christians—because perfection does not exist in human form. It is for you right now, just as you are.
You Don’t Have to Walk Alone
Sometimes, we think we need to be strong for everyone. We try to carry the weight, push through the pain, and hold it all together. But God never asked us to do that.
Instead, He invites us to rest in Him. To run to Him. To trust Him.
That’s what building your faith foundation is really about:
Knowing who God is.
Believing that He cares.
Trusting that He is always near—even when life hurts.
God never wastes your pain. He transforms it. He meets you in it and uses it to draw you closer to Him—just as He did with Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers and imprisoned unjustly, yet God used that painful journey to raise him up and save a nation (Genesis 50:20). Your hardest seasons can become the most holy, if you walk through them with Him.
You don’t need to figure everything out. You need to lean on the One who already has.
Reflection Questions
Take a quiet moment and ask yourself:
- What storm am I facing right now?
- Have I invited God into that place, or have I been trying to carry it on my own?
- How can I practically lean into God as my refuge and strength this week?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Even when life feels overwhelming, I know You are near. Help me trust You more deeply and rest in Your faithful love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture for Deeper Study
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you…”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”
Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble…”
Ready to Grow Your Faith?
This post is part of our Faith Foundations series, created to help women and new believers build a strong relationship with Jesus—one truth at a time.
If you missed Part 1: Following Jesus for Beginners
Or Part 2: How to Read the Bible -A Simple Step-by- Step Guide
✨ Want to go deeper?
Download our free devotional guide:
Walking with Jesus Daily: A Simple Guide to Building a Daily Relationship with Jesus
You’re not alone, friend. God is with you, and we’re walking this faith journey together.
Let Psalm 46:1 be your anchor this week. As God is our refuge and strength, this verse reminds us that even in our weakest moments, we can lean fully on His presence and power. Whether you’re facing fear, uncertainty, or loss—this verse is your reminder that you’re not walking through it alone. Trust Him to be your safe place.