For 2020, I have chosen Isiah 41:10 as my personal verse. This lead into a theme for this year’s “His Encouragement” posts. Each week, I will look at another “fear not” Scripture of the Bible. I hope that as we journey together through these verses that we all will learn a little more about trusting God and rooting out the fear in our lives.

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Psalms 46:1-3 KJV

Let’s face it. 2020 has been a tough year. For everyone. We’ve faced things we never imagined. For some, it’s been the worst year of their lives. In this chapter, the Psalmist lists the worst things he could think of, as far as the earth is concerned. As if the very planet he stood on was in a total uproar. (Hmm, we’ve seen some of that, too.)

However, he also says that even if all these things were true, there would be no reason to fear simply because God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble. Refuge is one of the most beautiful words in our language. It denotes a protection and a peace from anything that would harm us and we all need strength to get through our trials. And we all know we need help, but what about this phrase “very present”?

At first, I thought it meant like present as in nearby. Like God is always right there when we need him. Which he is. And it makes a good application, but I was surprised when I looked up the word in the Strong’s.

It means so much more than that. It means to be present (as expected), but this word can also mean to catch, cause to come, deliver, be enough, cause to find, to get hold upon, be here, meet with, serve, suffice, take hold on.

Not only is he present when we need him, but he also presents himself to be everything we need. We can grasp hold of him and hang on with all our might when this world is totally out of control.

What scripture is encouraging you today? Share it with us!

Check out these other blogs for more encouragement from God’s word for your Thursday.

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective 

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Becca @ The Becca Files

Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn

Rebecca @ Rev. Rebecca Writes

Andi @ Radiant Light

Leslie @ Words of Hope

Claudia @ Claudia Moser

Keneesha @ Women Loving God’s Way