I love this verse of scripture in the King James Bible Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
I have had times in my life when I have felt all alone, where I have felt down, in those times, I have found out what my faith is really made of. There has been times when I have felt so weak, that my body and my heart aches. I have felt the pain of a broken heart and rejection, it is very, very sore, but the Bible says in Ephesians 1:6 (KJV) He hath made us accepted in the beloved. It is also comforting to know that Jesus binds up the broken hearted, and heals their wounds, for He is the healing balm of Gilead.
But in all these times, I knew that Jesus has always stood by my side, when almost every one else abandon me. Jesus did or will He never will, for he has promised me in Hebrews 13 : 5 to 6 (NIV) Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
I don’t feel ill towards people for doing so, instead I have prayed for them. There have been times when people have said things about me, that have been very hurtful, but I have prayed for them. The Bible says in Matthew 5:44 to 45 (NIV) From the very lips of Jesus Himself, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who insult you and persecute you. That ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven”.
We can give offense without knowing it, but it becomes a matter of choice for us to take offense. I have learned to trust in the Lord in a new deeper way, because I know, that God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
There was a time when I felt, that I was left with nothing, but when all you have left is God, you have everything you need to start all over again. For God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
The Bible says in Isaiah 46: 4 (NIV) The Lord says, “I am he, who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and rescue you”. There comes a time in every ones life, as difficult as it maybe at the times, we learn to turn the page, and enter into a new chapter in our lives, when we do we will find Jesus right there to help us with every step we take.
It very easy at times to let the Devil steal your joy. There are times, when we do feel down, because of the circumstances that we go through, but that heart for “God is my refuge and my strength, a very PRESENT help in times of trouble.”
Also there was David who prayed in Psalm 55:12 KJV) Return unto me the Joy of your salvation. Remember these words also from Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) For the joy of the LORD is your strength.
He is my strength when I am weak, He is the up lifter of my head, as the Bible says so powerfully says in Psalm 18:1 to 3 (NIV) “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies”.
I know that the Bible says in Exodus 15: 26 (NIV) “For I am the LORD, who heals you.” He is to me Jehovah Rophedh, The Lord who heals”. I can testify to the healing from the Lord, at many times in my life, even more so recently.
My friend, whenever I need healing, I go to the Lord, whenever my heart is aching I go to the Lord. Whenever I feel weak I go to the lord and in everything and anything I now go to the LORD.
For as the Bible says in Psalm 46:1 (KJV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God bless you my friend, Matthew.
My thought for today 
thanks for this..i found it searching for the phrase ‘God is my present help’ and got a lot more than expected! Thanks and may God bless you.
By: oliver on October 19, 2007
at 11:20 pm
I too came across this verse when it was dropped in my heart.Thinking about things
past and present,treatment from others,but GOD said to me I am a very present help in the times of trouble so after hearing it 3 times while at work I just typed it in
I have a bible with me but I needed to read what Matthew shared. I bless GOD for HE knows everything that we are in need of!
Praise The LORD GOD All Mighty!!!
By: Gayle on December 9, 2009
at 4:21 pm
I feel far away from God and that he has abandoned me and wish he would just take me home. It’s hard living in this mean world. I would die if something like the shootings would hapen to my family. I’m feeling now what’s the use of praying for their protection. I love God but I’m so lost now.
By: rose marie on December 17, 2012
at 9:53 pm
Whatever my lot it is well, it is well with my soul. Often we say and hear others say that the world isn’t what it used to be, I think we say that because when we experience something that push us to a point that we have no idea what is coming of our life due to something we have experienced; it’s something that makes us seem as if we are alone in a twilight zone. It’s hard to breath, it’s hard to sleep, it’s hard to move, it’s hard to do the simple things in life such as getting out of the bed, are even to hold our head up off the pillow. You see I can relate because I have gone through this as I am explaining it it’s not just me saying something but it’s what I have felt for a long time, as time goes by it seems to get better, but then there are still day’s when it’s hard to move. I have come to the reality that life will never be the same for me some good, and some bad ways. I have learned so much through this refining process in my life and God continues to carry me during these times of… Has the world really changed at all are have we experienced a difficult, traumatic, devastating event that we thought would never ever happen to us. You see for once we are not on the outside looking in it is we who is in the twilight zone only we do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I will not be consumed and neither will because the all mighty King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s is with us. God has a purpose it’s hard to see and understand, but I do know he has a purpose. “No weapons formed against you shall prosper.”
By: LeaningonGod "It is Well" on January 3, 2013
at 5:24 pm
I came across this site while searching for the same verse, and was very blessed by it. Thank you for the encouraging words.
By: Tara on November 18, 2007
at 8:35 am
Thank you. I stumbled unto this while trying to find the phrase God is in our mists. I feel blessed by your wonderful links of bible verses in my time of trouble.
I found this to be so peaceful to read..very reassuring of God’s presence. TAKE CARE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU !!
By: Lynne Conners on November 21, 2007
at 8:18 am
Just saw what you wrote and thought you might like this song! Check it out at http://www.famecast.com/contest/stage_top10.php?stage_id=47&round_id=222&artist_id=1648
By: Magda on March 29, 2008
at 1:29 am
God is our sufficiency and sustenance for living!
Thanks for sharing your personal convictions and testimony. Its encouraging =)
By: andrewong2024 on June 14, 2008
at 2:12 am
The message has blessed me a lot. God is surely the present help in time of trouble.
By: Patience on June 15, 2008
at 3:58 pm
Thank you so much for your comments,I found them very helpful
God Bless You
By: JIM WOODGATE on September 2, 2008
at 11:47 am
Thank you for the encouraging words. I have been so blessed. May God Bless you
By: Isabel on October 6, 2008
at 1:08 pm
Thankyou, Andrew,for your encouraging thoughts. I too came across this while looking up ”God is our refuge and strength” for some thoughts to share with others,and I found it just what I was looking for. Thankyou,and God bless you,as he has blest me,and others with your words.
Bruce.
By: Bruce Clark on October 11, 2008
at 9:20 am
Thank you. This is exactly what I needed today. The Lord is my refuge and my strength, my very present help in times of trouble. Thank you for the extra verses to go along with that one.
By: Andrea on April 19, 2009
at 5:51 pm
Isn’t God amazing. May His name be praised forever. Your words are so beautiful and a testomony to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank you for allowing God to use you and in turn others can be used in the same way. May everyone note that it is not by chance we came across Andrew’s words of praise to God but a confirmation that God is still working in our lives. I don’t know when you wrote this Andrew but I pray that God is still bless, guiding and keeping you and yours. A sister in Christ
By: Angela on May 19, 2009
at 11:53 am
Thank the Lord God Almighty for the true Words that you wrote. You just don’t know how these Words blessed my soul. I found this writing by accident when my heart did not know what to do about my living situation. But, I believe that God spoke to me in these Words by saying”HE IS MY REFUGE AND STRENGTH AND A VERY PRESENT HELP IN THE TIME Of TROUBLE”. Again thank the Lord for your true Words straight from God’s Word. May God continued favor and blessings in you life, PRAISE GOD MHC May 30, 2009
By: Marilyn on May 30, 2009
at 5:38 pm
sincerely, God is the only sure rock on whom we can depend. our refuge, strenght, high towel and constant help at all times. times of lack and plenty, time of peace and war, time of good and ill health, in all circumsatces, good and adverse, only if we can learn to lean on his everlasting arms for him to carry us to safe haven.
By: Abimbola on September 9, 2009
at 9:58 am
Thank you for this. I am hurting right now and lean on God for his blessings. I know that I am going through this difficult time for a reason and a lesson and will be a better person as I trudge through this journey.
By: Joe on September 13, 2009
at 5:12 pm
AMEN!!!
By: Roxine on December 8, 2009
at 11:24 pm
A Great post and very inspirational thought for today! I find that many people are searching for strength, encouragement and its blogs like this that provide it!
Keep writing and posting!
NL
GoingAgainstTheGrain.org
By: NLewis on January 8, 2010
at 6:12 pm
Thanks for the encouraging word, Matthew.
I wondered if you are from Scotland? The picture looks much like I remember it.
By: Lolly on January 11, 2010
at 7:13 pm
Typed in “God is my refuge and Strength” and was encouraged to read what you had to say. I felt very discouraged but I am now strengthened. Inspite of my situation and circumstances I am going to trust and believe in my mighty, powerful, and awesome God. As I write with tears in my eyes, I am confident that He will make a way when there seems to be no possible way out. He is still a God of miracles and I am believing Him right now for a miracle.
Praise be to God!!!!!!
By: Ann on February 5, 2010
at 9:47 pm
i came across this in my search for scriptures on GOD’S help. i am so blessed, now i know am not alone. you are blessed
By: abolaji durojaiye on April 7, 2010
at 2:15 pm
I needed courage today. I needed courage to believe God for full time employment. Specifically, the right fit for my employer and me. I have faced much rejection from prospective employers and finally, my last interview was successful; the position is everything I could ever desire. Now I wait.
I woke up this morning Tuesday, April 13, 2010 with “God is my very present help in time of trouble” in my heart, and the strong need to pray, but could not find my bible. I did a search and found this “Alive, In Season Word” which the Holy Spirit used to usher me into that place of worship. I surrendered my fears and found rest in Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; it is the Lord who sustains me.” 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: He (God) cannot deny himself.
Thank you for your love and service to humanity Matthew.
By: Lynn on April 13, 2010
at 2:43 pm
god is able and yes he is that he is a very present help in trouble. i am going through so much confusion that i don’t understand. bu i can stand on his word. he said never willi leave you nor forsake you. though they slay me yet will i trust him. nothing ca seperate us from the love of god. he is able to do exceedingly and abundantly about all that we can ask or think in jesus name amen!
By: vanessa on May 14, 2010
at 10:03 pm
Many years ago as a child one of the Girls Brigade leaders had a box full of small rolled up pieces of papers in it with Psalms on, they were all standing on end and were very tight in the box I remember it so well when it came to my turn I un-rolled my piece of paper and God is our refuge was on mine I shall never ever forget it, I only wish I could find out the name of the box I would love to purchase one.
By: Jo Gent on May 19, 2010
at 2:21 pm
Hello Matthew !
It was truly the spirit of God who has filled me with full of Courage & Strenght.You will not believe the above message is very apt to me.The person whom I trusted completely and relied that he will give me my furture has betrayed me.The Lord word is helping come out of this pit. Thank you so much for your wonderful message !
rgds/Solomon.
By: Solomon on August 13, 2010
at 10:36 am
Inspirational and timely. Thank you!
By: Brandon on November 3, 2010
at 2:51 pm
Amen
By: Nash on December 14, 2010
at 12:43 pm
Glory be unto God because He is a very present help in times of trouble .May God bless you because it was a word of the season in my life
By: cele on December 29, 2010
at 1:12 pm
There are many times in one’s life that these words of encouragement applies. This is definitely one of those times. I’ll pray for you as a collected group and desire the same for me and my family.
Regards,
M
By: marty on February 1, 2011
at 2:07 pm
thanks for sharing…. God bless
By: scribecorner on February 2, 2011
at 10:19 am
Thank you so much for your words and the Word of God. My husband and I have very complicated trouble in our lives just now. All of the verses you quoted are comforting and remind me to wait on God’s answers to my prayers with joy and expectancy.
I will not forget that:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Bless you!
By: Jan on February 7, 2011
at 11:22 pm
I am so thankful to God for coming across this site while searching for his word in my time of need. I am a single mom that has run out of unemployment and have been unable to find work. Today has been somewhat difficult and filled with moments of anxiety about my situation. I have learned that when my faith starts to weaken I need to read His word/promises to me. How reassuring and calming is His word! I know that this too shall pass, and GOD is with me in the midst of my tears/anxiety reminding me of His Word.
Thank you GOD for all You have done, all You are doing, and all You will do. Amen!
By: Lisa on February 18, 2011
at 8:29 pm
I have come across this looking up the verse ‘God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble.’
I struggle with Rheumatoid arthritis and it was very bad yest I did not go out all day but thank the Lord for rest and ice packs and a very patient toddler. He know’s I need to go out today and help at a group so today I am feeling much better, I know I will be needed this afternoon and he has been faithful to me and the group by helping me be able to go out today and help whatever that may be for me to do or to whoever I need to ‘come across and talk too/help’. My knee is still swollen, hasn’t gone down completely but nothing at all like yesterday. It just shows when we are meant to do work for Gods kingdom he will make allowances for us to be there because he is our ever present help in times of trouble.Hope that makes sense thanks for your blog.:-)
By: Charlotte on March 9, 2011
at 10:21 am
Thank you for sharing your testimony and faith. It is not by chance that I happened to come to your website. God in all of us connects us together as His children. May God continue to bless you as you share with others the greatness and the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ.
By: Margie on March 18, 2011
at 11:50 pm
MAY THE GOOD CONTINUE BLESSING YOU AS YOU CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU DO FOR THE KINGDOM.
By: Hezron on April 12, 2011
at 7:29 pm
[…] Psalm 46:1 (KJV) ” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble “. I love this verse of scripture in the King James Bible Psalm 46:1 ” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble “. I have had times in my life when I have felt all alone, where I have felt down. In those times, I have found out what my faith is really made of. There has been times when I have felt so weak, that my body and my heart aches. I f … Read More […]
By: Psalm 46:1 (KJV) ” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble “. (via My thought for today) « Travis.Sturgeon on April 24, 2011
at 4:50 pm
Well written. I love the verses. God’s word never comes back void. It is encouraging to be refreshed by the knowledge that God is our refuge.
By: Grace Houle on April 28, 2011
at 2:51 pm
I thank God for these words. Immediately after reading this the thought of switching my vision from the seen to the unseen stuck out in my head. Fact of the matter is, God is the only steadfast factor in my life, in all of our lives as believers. I personally am having difficulty loving my boyfriend fearlessly because of the pains of my past and the pains in our current relationship but since God is with both of us and He has offered himself to us, I am comforted. Hopefully my flesh doesn’t get in the way of this thought. My one desire is to serve the King who laid down his everything, even to die for me and love furiously as He did. Loving through the pains and recognizing that God is my refuge and strength and nobody else can take that place. Another key verse for me lately has been Phillipians 4:6-8 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Again I say, Lord, shift my vision from the seen to the unseen and remain by refuge and strenth.
By: Rachel Swain on May 11, 2011
at 1:30 pm
I stumbled upon your exposition when i was searching anything on God’s strength in our times of trouble. It truly blessed my heart. May God richly bless you. Your sister-in-Christ,
Violet
By: Violet on May 14, 2011
at 12:52 pm
Many thanks Matthew for your message. Please keep up your work. Through these simple, yet powerful words, I am beginning to focus on the source of real strength. It has being a traumatic few weeks. God bless. Samuel
By: Samuel on June 5, 2011
at 5:00 pm
Brother the Lord led me to this page and It has strengthened my resolve to trust in Jesus though things are very challenging at present. May the Lord smile upon you.
By: katlehomasilo@yahoo.com on July 10, 2011
at 10:17 pm
Dear Brother,
Thank you for sharing from your heart and the pain that you allowed that brought you closer to the Lord and has encouraged my soul even now. It is so timely and I know the Lord is using you to build up and encourage other believers as my self. I will keep you in my prayers and please add me in yours to Our Father in Heaven. With the love of Christ, Maxine
By: Maxine on August 1, 2011
at 9:46 pm
Mathew, thank you so much for being used of God in your sharing. I, like many of the others, found your encouraging use of scripture while searching the phrase, ” The Lord is a very present help in times of trouble”. The Holy Spirit dropped this verse in my heart in the midst of my battle to stay encouraged in the truth of God’s reality. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I know that I was directed directly to your site by the Holy Spirit because you expressed what I needed to be reminded of. Thanks also for the added scriptures. You are a blessing to everyone who has come across this sight. May God continue to use you, to bless you, and make His face to shine upon.you and be gracious to you.
Vanessa
By: Vanessa on August 6, 2011
at 9:58 pm
God is indeed a present help in troube. So whatever situation we are in, He is there with us as His name implies; Emmanuel-God with us. What God needs from us is just to acknowledge Him and His presence in that situation and circumstances. We don’t have all it takes to take care of that issue. He is seeing what we are passing through. Remember, without Him we can do nothing.He will continue to be present with us to deliver us from every trouble.
By: Uchenna Okeke on August 10, 2011
at 12:37 pm
Thank you for this, I’m having struggles as well, and pray constantly and thank the Lord for carrying me through, my struggles are not over and dissapointments have been there. But I praise the Lord for what he’s doing for me, My plan might not be what God intended, but I trust in Him to lead this matter.For the outcome will be much sweeter. I encourage you all to take all your troubles, heartache and thanks to the Lord for His mercy and loving kindness endures forever. AMEN!!
By: CL on September 9, 2011
at 8:23 am
I’m on the same page as well–while searching for the scripture Psalm 46:1, I came across your encouraging words and was blessed….thank you for sharing…….
Karen C
By: Karen on September 12, 2011
at 3:11 pm
Amen this spoke to my heart & my situation. Praise God again more than enough and right on time. Thanx for the encouragement & continue to be a vessel. God Bless.
By: Rico T on October 13, 2011
at 8:39 am
I also came across on with the search “God is my refuge”. Yes, we must “Go to the Lord” when we find life overwhelms us. Thank you for that reminder. God bless.
By: Sibyl on October 13, 2011
at 7:05 pm
Hey Matthew, I just wanted you to know how blessed I was by your exhotation. Thank you and keep after the Lord!
By: Daniel on November 6, 2011
at 12:24 am
I too have been blessed by this and found it (like many others here) while looking for that passage of Scripture. I was falsely accused by my fiance about 2 months ago and he broke up with me totally unexpectedly! I’ve been bewildered and hurt, but God has shown me SO MUCH. He loves us and is our Rock. We stand firm on Him and will never be shaken. Thanks for the encouragement, Matthew. God bless you.
By: Nora on November 11, 2011
at 10:48 pm
I am broken, but Jesus is ready to fix me.
By: Andy on November 25, 2011
at 5:34 pm
Your writing is really encouraging and helping me passing the very hard Monday!
By: lielie on November 28, 2011
at 3:41 am
Thank you, Matthew! :))
By: lielie on November 28, 2011
at 3:42 am
This came to mind as i sat down with my computer,.A very present help it time of trouble.So i googled it,and here i am. It’s comforting to know we are all in the same boat in the same storm with the one who is a very present help in times of trouble.GOD bless you for sharing.
By: scott roberts on November 29, 2011
at 8:11 pm
The Lords annoited hands are truely upon you. reading these words of his you have put together and reading the comments of all that have read it, I have this one thing to say. GOD BLESS YOU. These words came to me when all around me dispised and deserted me I simply clicked a few keys on my phone to hear Gods voice, and really there he was speaking to me through you. Thank you so much. And may God multiply his awesome wisdom in you. Chika here in Ghana Africa.
By: Chika B.A. on January 14, 2012
at 9:19 am
thanks for sharing this. I found it so comforting now that I have lots of problems and feel so alone. Forgive me for posting this in my facebook account but I just want to share this message to my friends that in times that we are almost to give up, God is there. Again, thank you and God bless
By: Dina on January 16, 2012
at 2:40 am
Thank you . I had a very bad day today. I was called right away after having a mamogram to come back in which I did today. No good news. The words God is my refuge and my strength kept going thru my heart and mind so I just typed it in and this site came up. I really needed it. I know that God will see me thru whatever comes .
By: Karen on March 22, 2012
at 1:35 am
I came across these beautiful, uplifting words today and have to thank the Lord, Jesus for all my inspiring family in Christ. Karen I am praying for you, even though it’s over a year later.
By: Lisa on September 11, 2013
at 8:15 pm
I’m blessed and encouraged by this.God bless you Matthew!!!
By: Abiola on May 7, 2012
at 7:45 am
Thankyou for sharing this it helped me so much I literally felt my peace returning to me as i read it, and i sensed my spirit and body calming down .I tend to be a worrier and fearful person.But i now intend to concentrate on The Lord Jesus Christ as my helper and deliverer
By: Taise on May 10, 2012
at 3:36 am
This was so timely. I came across it in a search for “a very present help”. I was looking for this for a friend, but it was just what I needed. I am experiencing some marital difficulties and had made up my mind to end the marriage (22 yrs). I woke up asking the Lord to help me find some good in the situation and I tried reading my bible but to no avail. This scripture ministered to me and while I thought it was for my friend it was really for me. Thank you Lord for this blog. It has helped me to think clearer about that decision and to wait on the Lord for a final resolution.
By: Cynthia on May 24, 2012
at 3:54 pm
Thank you, thank you, for this exposition. My life has been to put it simply very unbelievable for about 21/2 years now. I am facing demonic attacks in my life that I honestly must say has been overwhelmingly challenging, I know it’s no one but God who has kept me in my right mind, healthy, and alive. I have experience everything from financial hardship, lost of job, lost of places to live, my name has been ruined by my enemies, sickness, loneliness, rejected by my church. Life has been harder than I have ever experienced or ever thought I would have to experience. But, God has kept me he continues to teach me to love my enemies and pray for them. My faith continues to grow everyday and when I heard this word today I came online to look up the scripture God is my refuge and God bless me to find this it is such confirmation that God is my strenght, God is with me and at the end of this attack I will never ever be the same, because God has taken me to a higher level in him.
By: LeaningonGod "It is Well" on May 29, 2012
at 1:16 am
This is EXACTLY what I am experiencing and what God is showing me too!! What a blessing to my heart to read this today!! You know the Fathers heart and His word is so powerful. Thank you for taking the time to write this out, I stumbled upon it by “accident”! God Bless you!
By: aperse1 on June 15, 2012
at 2:36 pm
How amazing…It is awesome to see how much of a ripple effect this post has had and how timely and relevant it is or has been for those who read it. How awesome is our God when we allow Him to use us…when we yield to His leading…when we trust Him despite the evidence. As many have already said, thank you Matthrew for your obedience in writing it and thank all of you for your expressions of appreciation and further sharing of His word and your testimonies. I’m encouraged to proactively encourage others with the expectation that “ripples” of people will be blessed as has been here. As I always say and it is so relevant for me today as well (because I need God’s help TODAY and likewise was seeking it typing in “a very present help in the time of trouble”…keep believing! celeste / celestejonson.com
By: Celeste Jonson on June 21, 2012
at 11:57 am
This is quiet interest and helpful in a time like this, when all seems impossible to live a fulfilled life. This is just what (the food) the spirit needs.
Great !
By: Julius.O on June 22, 2012
at 1:29 pm
Thank you for reminding me that God is my fefuge and my strength. A very present help in time of troubles. Sometimes life gets so heavy we need to be reminded in whom our strength and shelter lies. God bless you for sharing your experiences. Vicky
By: vicky on June 29, 2012
at 3:59 am
I really believe in this scripture, and it gives me ideas as to what to say towards the homeless people within skid row in Downtown L.A. and even towards the inmates within our prison when the time comes for when I will be allowed to go into our prison to preach Gods word.
By: Daniel C. Walker on July 5, 2012
at 6:30 pm
Our God is truly an awesome God. I have been going through so many difficulties, being depressed and was feeling defeated but was lead to this verse that took me to your blog. Thank you for testimony reminding me how the Lord is all powerful and never leaves us. He is a very PRESENT strength in times of trouble, we just need to lean upon him always. May he continue to bless you Matthew as you bless and encourage others.
By: Catalina P. on July 10, 2012
at 9:00 pm
I was searching for the word Comforter and I ended up on your blog..I believe it was not a mistake. Thank you for sharing your testimony…I just came out of 4 years relationship…when I started searching for the verse I wanted to hear the word of God in my life cos I was weak but I believe that I’m stronger now…thank you
By: Cathy on July 31, 2012
at 11:47 am
Reblogged this on Trading My Sorrows (Grace Restored) and commented:
Thankful for a good word when needed. What a troubling day. What a tremendous GOD.
By: joykeepin on August 5, 2012
at 7:33 am
I love this verse and I googled it tonight to copy and paste into a post that I was going to make only to be blessed by the words on this page. Thank you Matthew!!!!
By: Sharon Sims Petty on August 17, 2012
at 4:27 am
I have read this verse many times but I really find it so helping when I needed strength to overcome a partcular chalange in my life. With the way Matthew linked it with other scripural verses is very helpful; indeed God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Thanks for being there!!!
By: ogochukwu on August 28, 2012
at 6:55 pm
Hi, I was googling the phrase for Sunday School prep to use around an ‘Impossible’ Game. Reminding the children of HIS place in all our lives. Thanks Matthew, every blessing, Colin.
By: colin on September 14, 2012
at 8:36 pm
I really needed to read that thanks a lot.
By: Albert on September 15, 2012
at 12:07 am
I really like this website because i’ve been through this problems right now.
By: Emily on September 22, 2012
at 10:56 pm
Thanks Matthew for sharing your spiritual journey. I’ve read several days devotions because they are so appropriate for my life today. May God bless your work and your walk.
By: Marva Bryan on September 28, 2012
at 9:27 am
This is truely amazing. I found this searching for a scripture. Today was the day, I needed to read and be fulfilled. Thanks for your message.
By: Vicki Travis on October 22, 2012
at 7:01 pm
Hi there…I was looking for something I don’t even know what…help perhaps? My four year relationship has ended and my ex partner has kicked me out of his house – he has given me a week to find new accommodation for myself, my 3 cats and my dog. This has come completely out of the blue and I don’t know what I have done wrong…I am hurt, bewildered and angry and I cannot stop crying and I feel like I am in a complete panic. I am battling to find a place for me and my pets to stay and I have been praying but I am struggling and stumbling. I just happened accross this site and I don’t know why I am even posting here but I am. I have supported and loved this man and done everything I possibly humanly could and now this… Thank you for your message!
By: Jacqui on October 23, 2012
at 6:30 am
Thank u Lord ,l love u
By: james on October 26, 2012
at 8:56 pm
Thank you Matthew for this powerful reminder. God is indeed our refuge and our strength, and a very present help in times of uncertainty. I am calling on Him even as I write this to save our home for teenage mothers and their babies. Glory and honor to Him who alone is able. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. MEBa
By: Marva Bryan on November 6, 2012
at 8:29 am
Thank you Matthew, these thoughts and verses were also placed on my mind.I know that the Bible says in Exodus 15: 26 (NIV) “For I am the LORD, who heals you.” He is to me Jehovah Rophedh, The Lord who heals”. I can testify to the healing from the Lord, at many times in my life, even more so recently.
My friend, whenever I need healing, I go to the Lord, whenever my heart is aching I go to the Lord. Whenever I feel weak I go to the lord and in everything and anything I now go to the LORD.
For as the Bible says in Psalm 46:1 (KJV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God bless you Dorothy
By: Dorothy A. Foggie on November 28, 2012
at 3:09 pm
This is awesome. I love reading daily devotations.
By: Vicki Travis on November 28, 2012
at 4:02 pm
yes The Lord is a very present in time of depression, hopelessness and despair. Bless you for this inspiring message
By: martin o halloran on December 29, 2012
at 7:26 pm
Thank you for this verse, it is a word in due season. Im going through it right now, Im alone, my husband is angry all the time it seems, my son is busy, my family is out of town until April, and my friends have their own stuff going on to the point where they arent available to talk to me most of the time. I dont feel comfortable discussing my situation with my pastor or any of the other church members in my small church. I have the Lord, scriptures, and my faith… in this other wise impossible situation. With me this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. At this moment God truly is my refuge and my strength, my present help in my time of need.
I have been in fear, I have cried, and stayed up nights worrying to the point of hyperventilating…none of that has helped one bit except to steal my joy and drain me emotionally. Today Im finding my peace and joy in the Lord, things arent yet resolved but Im grateful to the Lord. He is the only one who can save me, He is the only one who can comfort me, and He is the only one that is working on my behalf. I know what I deserve, but praise God for his grace and His mercy and for what Jesus died on the cross for me to have, that things will work out because Im His praise the Lord! Today is a new day in the Lord, and nothing really has changed in my situation, accept things feel so much better today then they did yesterday because Im relying on the Lord instead of people, praise the Lord!!
By: Sharon on January 9, 2013
at 6:49 pm
Thank you for saying this Sharon. I am going through something similar and have really been beating myself up over things I should have done. It’s true the worry and anxiety do nothing but steal our joy, but I spent the last few days doing just that. I heard it said that when we are about to bear fruit the worst kind of emotional pain comes first. Anyway, it’s helpful knowing I am not alone.
By: Judy on January 13, 2013
at 4:50 am
This was very beautifully expressed. One person who responded that she felt very far from God and wished He would just take her from this world. I have been there at times in my life too. I have felt my family has been against me, I have lost loved ones and have wondered what I was still here for.
In a sermon a long time ago I remember hearing that as God’s people we are not here for our purpose but for God’s. Once you are able to somehow wrap your brain around that truth, it dawns on you that God is not finished with you and that it is HIS will we are to serve, not our own. Pray to be ‘his vessel’ and ask Him to use you. Once you allow that in your life, despite your own pain, whether physical or mental or emotional, new meaning and new life is open to you as your own concerns matter less and others’ matter more.
My son, who is in his 30’s and struggled with OCD and depression as a teenager was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in his Senior year of college, which was being funded by an athletic scholarship. He had to quit football, which had been in many ways a saving grace for him during very sad, difficult teen years. His father and I divorced when he was 9 and saw little of his wonderful child. My son, always so much bigger and taller than other kids all of his life, had always just wanted to ‘fit in’ and felt big and awkward growing up. I told him repeatedly that one day he could play sports and he would be glad he was tall and strong. He was shy with girls too, so his athleticism gave confidence as well as a relationship that filled a void of a father in his life in some ways with his coaches, who thought he was exemplary in his efforts. When he became so ill and then was diagnosed, it was as if again, the rug had been pulled right out from under him. Once more, something of such powerful meaning in his life was taken from him. And, since he was so sick for so long before we knew what was causing it, he quit football before his last season, leaving both of us to pay for out of state tuition for the year he didn’t play. (Had we known, the scholarship would have covered him, but he quit after summer practice because of feeling so bad and therefore wasn’t ‘covered’ by learning what was going on during the actual season). For a few years, as he struggled to pay back student loans, dealt with his disappointment, tried to maintain a steady career as he definitely had to have health insurance consistently, I must say I wondered how much could be thrown at my young man. Life was very hard for him. I was out of ‘things that make sense’, ‘happy talk’ answers. I just reminded him nothing bad comes from God, but God can make good from bad if we turn it over to him.
He has been so blessed with a wonderful Christian wife who loves him deeply and with whom he is starting a family. Both of them give back in many ways to others. He uses his health management knowledge to encourage a family they know who have a five year old with the disease too. God has blessed him with a wonderful career and the ability to take care of himself and his family.
In the end, I am so grateful that he did NOT continue to play football, a game in which so many young men end up with brain damage and neurological disease, as they are finding out. Ten years ago we both wondered ‘why’?
God’s plan for us is so much greater than our own. If we serve and trust Him, He will never let us down.
By: pam on February 8, 2013
at 5:28 pm
In these scriptures I found myself after sharing some of the same known facts in Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
By: Dorothy A. Foggie on February 9, 2013
at 1:31 am
I found this scripture sometime ago when I felt that I was dying either by someone else’s hands or by taking my own life my world was not crashing in on me it had crashed. This scripture is very powerful it’s just one of many that keeps me sane. I continue to battle with so many things going on with me mentally, physcially, and spiritually right now. I have been going through this for so long now it seems forever but I continue to do my best everyday to think positive. My positive is having faith in God my creator that he has a purpose for all I am going through and I have always felt that God had a purpose for my life although at the same time I have always felt that I am not capable of being really used by God in a mighty way I have never felt that I was smart enough. All my life I have struggled with some type of fears sometimes I wonder if maybe it’s part of the reason I have always been one that will easily pass out (faint) so much to the point that I no longer fear it any more like I use to it’s just a part of me. You see the doctor’s have never been able to tell me why so I just have come to my own conclusion. I have been fainting since I was a child and I feel as though I have battled mental illness all my life but as I get older it’s harder to manage every day life. It hasn’t been easy I guess the older you get the less your body and mind can cope with even the simple things in life. God is my refuge I don’t know his reason for so many things in my life but I do believe he has a purpose and if only one person can somehow find God through my crazy life, if one person can somehow find hope or some form of encouragement out of my crazy life it’s worth it all. I continue to endure and when God has finish using me for his purpose and his glory it’s at that point I will cease to exist on this earth. One thing I can say is through this storm I have been battling God has bought me closer to my family and it seems and feels strange because in all my life I have never had my family support. I have always loved my family but never recieved love back until now; only God could have made this happen. It really feels strange but it’s a good thing. Only God can turn your bad into something good. I will continue to look to God for he alone is my refuge
By: LeaningonGod "It is Well" on February 9, 2013
at 2:43 am
I thank God for this massege. I try to start my bussines , it is failing . If l look to my past it seems l am a failure. Sometimes l ask my self WHY? I beliave in Jesus that things are done NOW. I am a businessman NOW .l am rich NOW.
By: james on February 19, 2013
at 12:06 pm
I am amazed at your words. I feel like you wrote this from my own heart. It was uplifting and much needed today. I know that God is the same for all of us and wants us to know He is with us through the hard times. No matter your situation or mine….He is forever present for all of us all the time. Praise the Lord oh my soul. I am forever yours Lord. Thank you!
By: Liz on March 26, 2013
at 5:39 pm
Typed in “God is my refuge and Strength” and found this…. Wow God is amazing and He will surprise you when u least expected just like he did right now, thank you for sharing, as I was reading I thought it was my story. GOD IS GOOD
By: Naomi on April 19, 2013
at 2:46 pm
This verse helped me alot
And thankyou for sharing your experience
I too going through a very hard situation
With my marriage and i think if i wouldnt have
God as my refuge and my strenght i would
Be going crazy
I dont know whats going to happen
With my marriAge and mykids
But i know that will lead
Thankyou
By: Luis on May 10, 2013
at 11:45 am
I am yet another child of the living God who used a quick Google search to find this reference to encourage someone in a hard place. How this word-rich devotional fed my soul! I am blessed!! And reading the comments/blogs was also a blessing. Andrew, your devotional has created community! And encouraged us in the battle! Thankyou so much!
Bev
By: Beverley on May 21, 2013
at 7:29 pm
I cannot but thank the Lord this morning for directing me to this write up. The Lord bless you Matthew. You made my day.
By: Johnson on July 5, 2013
at 5:50 am
We came to LA for my husbands surgery on Sunday. But on Saturday he fell and now is in the hospital with an infection. I just typed in Psalm 46.1 and up your site popped. Please pray for us!
By: Linda on September 24, 2013
at 5:23 pm
This blessed me so much; I shared with a few friends thank you for writing this!
By: Marie on August 25, 2017
at 12:22 am
I truly enjoy this this message, knowing that God is my refuge and strength
By: Jean Menefee-Atkins on September 8, 2017
at 8:01 pm
Thank you very much for directing to passages and verses in the Bible about Almighty God being our refuge and strength during hard and troublesome times. God Bless the People involved with this site. In Jesus Name, Amen.
By: G Patterson on July 3, 2018
at 4:59 am
Thank God you wrote these words so long ago. My wife of 38 years is very shaken by my selfish behavior and our marriage will never be the same again and may end. I will call into the Lord and pray we can work through this difficult time.
By: Elliott on February 12, 2019
at 12:55 pm