“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1 NASB)
Paul opens his second letter to the church at Corinth with words of comfort and encouragement for what they were going through. That greeting must have been a welcome relief to those believers, as we can all relate to times of trial and suffering—times that take every bit of strength we have just to keep going.
But Paul offers more than just encouragement and understanding. He identifies with their pain. “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life,” (2 Cor. 1:8).
Later in this same letter (2 Cor. 12:7-8), Paul recounts another trial in his life that was so grievous he pleaded with God three times for relief. Though the particulars of this hardship are not shared, Paul’s description makes it clear that these burdens were nearly unbearable. Given the extreme suffering he had already endured—beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, hunger, and danger at every turn (2 Cor. 11:23-29)—his words carry significant weight.
In both experiences, Paul makes it clear that he ran out of strength. He “despaired of life” in one instance, and in the other, he begged God for deliverance. But God did not leave him without help. The first time God delivered him from the trial; the second time God sustained him through it.
Paul recounts his first experience in 2 Corinthians 1 this way: “… we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,” (2 Cor. 1:9-10).
And in his second experience, God’s answer was not deliverance but strength to endure it. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness,” God told him. And Paul responded: “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me,” (2 Cor. 12:9).
When we face hardship, it’s natural to ask God for deliverance. But it is also our responsibility as His children to receive His answer in a spirit of obedience and humility (1 Peter 5:6). As Robert Leighton said, “This is pressed by a reason both of equity and necessity… He is Sovereign Lord of all, and all things must show obedience to Him.”[1]
God takes us into situations we cannot handle on our own so we learn to trust Him alone. And not just for the moment, but for all that lies ahead. Because when we know He has delivered us before, we can trust that “He will yet deliver us.”
His ultimate purpose in every difficult circumstance is our sanctification—to purify us, make us more holy and Christ-like, and to show His strength in us. He wants those around us to see His power at work in us, demonstrating that He alone is our source of endurance.
So when you find yourself inside trials that take every ounce of strength you have—maybe even to the point where you despair of life itself—trust your God. He is the “Father of mercies” and “God of all comfort.” You can depend on His strength to carry you, and not just in moments of despair, but every day, every moment… because He is your refuge and strength!
Contemplations:
- Where Do I Turn in Trouble? God alone is my refuge and strength. Which means that no human wisdom, no earthly comfort, no strength of my own can sustain me. When trials press in, His Word calls me to trust in Him completely, for He alone is my very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1).
- His Strength, Not Mine. Paul was burdened beyond his ability to endure, so that he would learn not to trust in himself but in the God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9). How often do I rely on my own strength? Do I only seek God’s help when all my own efforts have failed? I must learn to lean on Him first, knowing that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
- Grace for Every Circumstance. God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh, but He gave him the grace to bear it. When I ask for deliverance from my trials, do I trust that God’s grace is sufficient even if the trial remains? His grace is not just enough—it is all I need as His power is displayed in my dependence on Him (2 Cor. 12:9).
- Resting in the God of Comfort. The God who comforts us in our afflictions does so not only for our own sake, but so that we may be able to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:4). When I go through suffering, I need to remember that God is equipping me to minister to others. His comfort is not meant to be hoarded, but shared, so that His grace and strength may be known to all.
Prayer:
[Thanksgiving for the Strength of God’s in My Weakness]
O Gracious God and merciful Father, I give You thanks, for You are my refuge and my strength, my very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When my spirit is burdened and my strength is spent, You are the rock that upholds me, my deliverer who never fails. You do not leave Your children to walk through affliction alone, but You sustain them with Your mighty hand. Blessed be Your name, for You are faithful in every season and steadfast in every trial.
Lord, I thank You that even in my weakness, Your grace is sufficient. When my heart is prone to fear and my mind is tempted to doubt, You remind me that Your power is made perfect in my frailty. I praise You that You do not cast me away when I struggle, but You draw near in kindness, teaching me to rest in Your strength and not my own. How patient You are with me, O God! How gracious You are to bear with my feeble faith and lift my weary soul.
I bless You, Father, that no suffering in my life is wasted. Every trial, every affliction, every burden You have ordained for my good. Though I may not see it in the moment, I trust that You are shaping and refining me, drawing me nearer to You. Thank You that in my hardships You reveal Your mercy, and in my troubles You show Your faithfulness. You are the God of all comfort, strengthening me so that I may, in turn, comfort others.
O Lord, I thank You not only for deliverance from trials but for the grace to endure them. Whether You remove the burden or give me strength to carry it, I will bless Your name. You are wise in all Your ways and perfect in all Your dealings with me. Help me trust in Your goodness, rest in Your love, and rejoice even in suffering, knowing that You are at work in all things for my eternal good.
I lift my heart in thanksgiving to You, my refuge and my strength, my help and my hope. You have never failed me, and You never will. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Lord, I offer my praise. Amen.
Further References for Psalm 46:1
Ps. 9:9; Deut. 4:7; Prov. 14:26; Isa. 25:4; Exod. 15:2; Ps. 3:6
[1] Robert Leighton, The Whole Works of Robert Leighton, vol. 1, (Cambridge: James Duncan, 1878) 580.
