Strength in the Storm

Text: Psalm 46:1–3 (AMP/ESV blend)

Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV) 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

Psalm 46:1–3 “To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah, set to treble voices. A song. GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!”

Introduction

Storms are a part of life. You don’t get to choose when they come, how strong they are, or how long they last.

But here’s what you can choose: whether the storm moves you, or whether God strengthens you.

Psalm 46 reminds us of three truths: God is our refuge, God is our strength, and God is our very present help in trouble.

“Storms may shake me, but they will not break me. God is my strength in the storm.”

I. GOD IS OUR REFUGE (v. 1a)

GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation]… AMP

Another word for temptation is testings or trials. The hebrew word for is Tsarah which is translated 34 times in the old testament as “Distress”

A. What is a Refuge?

A refuge is a shelter, a covering, a safe place. Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.”

Refuge means you can run to God, and He will hide you until the storm passes.

B. What happens when we run to the wrong refuge?

Many run to people, possessions, or distractions instead of God.

False refuges provide temporary relief but cannot withstand life’s storms.

We must be careful that our whatever refuge we run to isn’t a stronghold that will keep us from God.

C. God Is the Shelter the Storm Cannot Destroy

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” What does this mean?

In a hurricane, people seek storm shelters. But shelters can collapse. God is the storm shelter no storm can shake.

D. Application

When the storm hits, don’t run to fear—run to faith.

“God, You are my refuge. I will not run to worry, I will run to You.”

II. GOD IS OUR STRENGTH (v. 1b)

and strength

A. His Strength Is Not Borrowed; It’s Infused

God doesn’t just shelter you; He empowers you.

He gives you strength to endure what you cannot handle on your own.

B. Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Our weakness is the platform for His strength.

As long as you are trying to carry the load God cannot help you the way you want Him to.

1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

When the storm knocks out power, a generator kicks in and restores strength.

God is the generator of your life—when your strength fails, His kicks in.

D. Application

Stop depending on your own ability—depend on His strength.

“When I am weak, I am strong in the Lord. His strength is working in me right now.”

III. GOD IS OUR PRESENT HELP (v. 1c)

a very present help in trouble.

A. “Very Present” Means Right Now

God is not distant, delayed, or detached—He is right there in the storm. > Jesus was with His disciples in the midst of the storm. > Another time he came to them on the waves.

He is closer than the storm, stronger than the storm, and more faithful than the storm.

B. Examples of God’s Presence in Trouble

Daniel in the lions’ den—God was with him (Daniel 6).

The three Hebrew boys in the furnace—God showed up in the fire (Daniel 3).

The disciples in the storm—Jesus came walking on the water (Matthew 14).

A child can sleep peacefully in a storm if Daddy is holding them.

Presence produces peace.

D. Someone needs to hear that…

Don’t go by feelings—go by faith. Even when you don’t see Him, He is there.

“God, You are with me right now. You are my present help in trouble.”

IV. FEAR WILL PARALYZE YOU IN THE STORM (vv. 2–3)

Because of our human nature we tend to naturally fear what we cannot control. Its a natural response to a dire situation.

LET ME TELL YOU WHAT FEAR DOES?

A. Fear Magnifies the Storm

Fear will exaggerate the problem and minimizes God’s power.

Fear says, “This is too hard for God.” Matthew 19:26 “And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Fear causes paralysis, keeping you from moving forward.

B. Example: Peter in the Storm

Peter walked on water until he looked at the wind and waves (Matthew 14:30).

Fear didn’t come from the storm—it came from his focus.

WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON THAT IS DISTRACTING YOU FROM YOUR VICTORY?

C. Application

You can’t stop the storm, but you can stop fear from sinking you.

I refuse to fear. Fear will not control me. God is my strength, and I will stand in faith.

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

A. Summary

God is our refuge—our safe place.

God is our strength—our source of power.

God is our present help—our immediate support.

Fear will paralyze you—but faith in God will stabilize you.

B. Final Confession

Say this with me: “In the middle of the storm, I have strength. God is with me, God is in me, and God is for me. The storm will not shake me. The storm will not sink me. My God is my strength in the storm!”

C. Closing Verse