Psalm 46:1 says this: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” It has long been a favorite of Christians facing trial or persecution. We often quote it without thinking about the two words the Psalmist employed. God is our “refuge”…and God is our “strength.” He is our “refuge” (literally, our “place of trust”) because we can run there and be safe. We can trust that God will take care of us. The threat from outside may be fierce and way beyond our ability to overcome, but in God, we have a place of trust – a refuge – that is safe from the storm. He is also our “strength” – a word that indicates more of an offensive mindset. God has the ability to accomplish what He sets out to do, and in the case of defending us, no one can do it better. Why is He a “very present help in time of trouble?” Because in God we have a safe haven and powerful defender.