God is our strength and refuge

“And the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, saying: ²“Command the children of Israel that they give the Levites cities to dwell in from the inheritance of their possession, and you shall also give the Levites common-land around the cities. ³They shall have the cities to dwell in; and their common-land shall be for their cattle, for their herds, and for all their animals. ⁴The common-land of the cities which you will give the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits all around. ⁵And you shall measure outside the city on the east side two thousand cubits, on the south side two thousand cubits, on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits. The city shall be in the middle. This shall belong to them as common-land for the cities.” Numbers 35:1-5 NKJV

God our refuge,

You are the God of refuge and You know that accidents do happen. You even gave Moses plans for dealing with protection for those who did. You included 12 cities of refuge. So they would be spaced among each tribes land and a distance anyone could reach within a day? You did not cover over accidents and loss of control and murder. You provided places of refuge. Places of justice. It would also stop those seeking vengeance from becoming murderers themselves.

Later a Psalmist would pen the Words “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).

Thank goodness today we do not have to run cross country to reach You. You are right here, where and when we need You. Always! (Matthew 28:20). But sometimes we are more aware than others? David sang, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. (2 Samuel 22:2,3). Recognising Your hand in saving him from Saul and his enemies.

We praise You because You are our refuge, a place of safety. No longer condemned for our sin and safe in the knowledge a place is prepared for us with You in heaven (John 14:1-4). And today if we need to take refuge from life, comfort, assurance, forgiveness or direction, You are here.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 22nd February 2026
You may recognise the tune depending on age . . . from the Dambusters movie.

God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble,
and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

There is a flowing river
within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her-
she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

Lyrics: Psalm 46, Richard Bewes

May You cause wars to cease now too Lord.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. ²So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. ³Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

⁴A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. ⁵God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. ⁶The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! ⁷The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

⁸Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. ⁹He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ¹⁰“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” ¹¹The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude” Psalm 46

God our refuge,

We are not sure when some of the Psalms were written, like this one written by one of the sons of Korah. Korah. He and those of his family stood by him got swallowed up in the ground for his sin of rebellion against Moses! (Numbers 16). But 1 Chronicles9:19 tells us some must have survived and continued to serve you as gatekeepers of the Tabernacle. So would have continued in future generations to serve at the Temple.

In the King James version the word Selah is used rather than interlude. But they both intend to make us stop, pause and consider what we have just read. I wonder if this was written in a time of trouble perhaps just before Hezekiah came to the throne and restored the Temple and brought a time of peace?

Part one speaks to putting our trust in You, God even in troubled times. The earth melting a reminder of Korah the writers forefather getting his just rewards? Part two speaks to putting our faith in You, God who is present with us, and more importantly fully able. Part three reminds us who You are and therefore what You, Lord can do. And whose Father has the largest army! Help us to take time to digest our daily bread. To allow it to feed our thinking, our understanding and outflow into our actions. For You are trustworthy, more than able and are here among us Your people wherever we are in the world..

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 24th July 2025

Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

Lyrics: Richard Thomas Bewes