an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing, strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me I'm hiding all the tears
Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing, never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies that lay me at His feet
Chorus: They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child
Copyright 1984 - New Spring - CCLI #264120
It is a bit embarrassing to admit, but these words resonate deeply with me. For the past 35+ years in serving as a pastor, I have felt the vulnerability that is captured in the words of this song. I have been blessed with a measure of strength that comes from the Lord but inside, sometimes I feel like a child. So like the song writer I run to the One who is my refuge and strength.
'Refuge', the dictionary defines this word as: a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble, a place of safety, security, a port in a storm, an oasis. God is all that more to us!
I like the way the Expanded Bible captures the words of the Psalmist:
God is our protection [refuge] and our strength.
He always helps [is an every present / timely help] in times of troube [distress].
So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes [quakes] or the mountains fall [reel; totter]
into the heart of the sea...
The Lord All-Powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender [refuge; fortress].
(Psalm 46:1-2, 7)
Maybe it's Covid fatigue or the simple recognition that life in this world is sometimes hard, it just is, but for we who walk by faith, aren't you glad we have One we can run to who is our refuge, our place of safety and security, a port when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us?
Friends, I just wanted to write these words to encourage you to run to Him.
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
Because deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child